The Catholic deacon, whose cure from a crippling spinal disease has been attributed to the intercession of Cardinal John Henry Newman, is visiting Britain this week.
Jack Sullivan from the Diocese of Boston in the US is expected to visit places connected with the life of Cardinal Newman including Littlemore, near Oxford, where the Cardinal was received into the Catholic Church. Mr Sullivan will also visit London and Birmingham.
Pope Benedict XVI cleared the way for the beatification of Cardinal Newman in July after he recognised Mr Sullivan's cure as a miracle. Next year may see the pontiff formally elevate the 19th century Anglican convert to 'Blessed' and set him on the road to sainthood while Pope Benedict is in the UK on the first papal visit in 28 years.
Mr Sullivan, 71, prayed to Cardinal Newman for the help after doctors discovered that the intense pain he was suffering in his back was caused by a ruptured spine. The damage was so severe, the doctors said, that he would be left paralysed.
Mr Sullivan then turned to Cardinal Newman, whom he had been inspired by, having watched a documentary on his life. After praying to Cardinal Newman, the cure was almost immediate. He has spoken of how he was left completely free of pain. Doctors have admitted they found the cure inexplicable.
The beatification of Cardinal Newman, who died in 1890, brings him closer to being made England's first non-martyred saint since the Reformation.
Mr Sullivan is in the UK at the invitation of the Archbishop of Westminster, Dr Vincent Nichols. In addition to his visit to Oxford, he will also travel to Birmingham where he and his wife will be guests of the community of the Birmingham Oratory, founded by Cardinal Newman.
The couple are also expected to visit the City of London and see the blue plaque on the entrance to the Stock Exchange marking the site where Cardinal Newman, the eldest son of a banker, was born in 1801.
Mr Sullivan will also act as deacon and preach at a Mass in Westminster Cathedral in London.
