West Country Catholics are contributing to, and learning from, a new series of podcasts about Cardinal Newman – the man Pope Benedict XVI will beatify when he comes to the United Kingdom in September.

Clifton Diocese Papal visit co-ordinator Father Michael McAndrew said a lot of focus is being placed on the forthcoming papal visit.

Fr McAndrew said: "Now is a time for us to focus very clearly on the forthcoming historic papal visit. To help people prepare, we've produced three new podcast series about the great Englishman who'll soon be the talk of the nation.

"'In the Footsteps of Newman' takes listeners to the places where Newman lived, preached, and where he'll beatified by the Holy Father.

"In our five-part series I join with our Director of Adult Education and Evangelisation Father Christopher Whitehead to visit Birmingham, aiming to give listeners an insight into Newman's world."

The series was recorded on location in Birmingham where the Holy Father's historic visit culminates in just a few short days. You can listen to the podcasts on Clifton Diocese's internationally award-winning website – cliftondiocese.com.

Father Michael added: "'In the Footsteps of Newman' begins at Maryville, before moving onto Oscott College. We then take a rare opportunity to go inside Newman's room at the Oratory House.

"The following episode is a visit to the Oratory Church opened as memorial to Newman, and finally we take a walk through Cofton Park – the place where Pope Benedict XVI will beatify this great Englishman. All the podcasts are supplemented with galleries of high quality photographs of the places featured.

"Here in the West of England, Catholic communities, like people throughout our countries, are looking forward to welcoming Pope Benedict. He comes to help us all see that faith in God is not a problem in need of a solution, but rather it's a gift to be discovered anew. I hope our podcasts help in preparing people for this iconic visit."

Two further Newman podcasts series have been produced by the Clifton Diocese. Notes on Newman is a series of lectures by local Newman scholars accompanied by insightful discussions on the themes explored.

And, starting on September 6, Bath priest Father Peter Cornwell presents his series on the Cardinal.