Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGi-hx2pndwhiN27kK3eCxaUfs8V2q–m

(Plain Text Version)

My parents used to watch “Bishop Sheen” on our small black-and-white TV.  I was too young to understand what he was saying, but I was amazed that he smiled while he preached!  

A Long and Fruitful Apostolate

Archbishop Fulton John Sheen was born 1895, became a priest in 1919, a bishop in 1951, and died in 1979.  In 2019, Pope Francis officially recognized a miracle obtained through his intercession. 

He is best known for his weekly television series, “Life is Worth Living.”  In the 1950’s, millions of people looked forward to his friendly and simple lessons.  He continued his TV ministry for the rest of his life. 

Sheen’s many books explained God’s work in our lives.  They are easy to read.

In this brief article, I would like to discuss his outstanding ability to explain the faith in simple terms.

To Whom Much is Given, Much will be Expected (see Luke 12:48)

To teach the truths of the faith clearly, the teacher must understand them well.  Fulton Sheen was blessed with a brilliant mind and developed that mind thorough many years of education. 

Intelligence and education alone won’t draw souls to God.  To bring others to Christ, one must be Christ-like.  Every day Fulton Sheen spent an hour with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.  Whenever possible, he wrote his works in the presence of the Lord. 

Jesus, Mary, Joseph

In his telecasts, Fulton Sheen wrote his key ideas on a small blackboard.  He always began by writing “JMJ”, meaning “Jesus, Mary, Joseph”, at the top of the board.  This is a way of uniting his written work to the saving work of Jesus, who became one of us and lived in a human family.

“God Love You”

Fulton Sheen usually ended his lessons with the expression “God love you!”.  We are familiar with expressions like “God loves you.”, or “God always loves you.”  The wording of Sheen’s blessing is a bit unfamiliar at first.  It is an example of his ability to say great things with a few words.  “God love you.” covers every situation past, present, and future.  No one is ever deprived of the love of God.

Watch, Hear and Read—A Few Sources:

Here is a link to 127 of Bishop Sheen’s broadcasts: 

One of Sheen’s most important books is Life in Christ.  It is available in paperback, e-book, and audio book.  Hardback copies are available online at a low price.

61 Minutes to a Miracle is the first-hand account of the miracle obtained through Bishop Sheen’s intercession.  It is available online at the OSV Catholic Bookstore.   

#StJohnBoscoNews