What do a 19th-century Catholic convert and 20th-century college student have in common? A lot, if their names are Newman and Scholl — for Sophie Scholl, the young German woman who 76 years ago lost her life resisting the Nazis, was influenced by the writings and witness of soon-to-be St. John Henry Newman.

Anyone familiar with the 19th-century thinker John Henry Newman, who is to be declared a saint this fall, knows that the Anglican-turned-Catholic wrote a great number of books, essays and letters. They may be in for a pleasant surprise when they see the extent of his writings online.

The National Institute for Newman Studies (NINS), in collaboration with the Birmingham Oratory and the Pittsburgh Oratory, are transforming the way scholars and enthusiasts interact with Newman archives. ...