Bishop Fulton Sheen

Bishop Fulton Sheen was a renowned American Roman Catholic bishop, theologian, and television personality, known for his charismatic preaching and inspiring sermons. He was a prominent figure in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York, and his television shows, such as Life Is Worth Living, reached a wide audience, including Pope Pius XII, Pope John XXIII, and Pope Paul VI. Sheen's theology was influenced by St. Augustine of Hippo, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Pope Leo XIII, and he was a strong advocate for Catholic social teaching. He was also a close friend of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Harry S. Truman.

● Early Life and Education

Bishop Fulton Sheen was born in El Paso, Illinois, to Newton Sheen and Delia Sheen, and was raised in a devout Roman Catholic family. He attended St. Mary's Cathedral Grade School and later Spalding Institute in Peoria, Illinois, where he was influenced by Bishop John Lancaster Spalding. Sheen then went on to study at St. Viator College in Bourbonnais, Illinois, and later at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he earned his doctorate in philosophy under the guidance of Bishop Thomas Joseph Shahan. He was also influenced by Pope Benedict XV and Pope Pius XI during his studies.

● Priesthood and Career

Sheen was ordained as a priest on September 20, 1919, by Bishop Joseph Henry Schlarman in the Diocese of Peoria. He then served as a parish priest in Peoria, Illinois, and later as a professor at The Catholic University of America, where he taught theology and philosophy alongside Bishop Francis Spellman and Archbishop Amleto Giovanni Cicognani. Sheen's career spanned over six decades, during which he served as an auxiliary bishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York under Cardinal Francis Spellman and later as the Bishop of Rochester. He was also a close friend of Archbishop Eugene McCarthy and Bishop James A. Griffin.

● Television Appearances

Sheen's television career began in the 1950s, with his show Life Is Worth Living, which aired on DuMont Television Network and later on ABC. The show was a huge success, and Sheen became a household name, known for his charismatic preaching and inspiring sermons. He also appeared on other television shows, including The Tonight Show with Jack Paar and What's My Line? with John Charles Daly. Sheen's television shows were watched by millions, including Pope John XXIII, Pope Paul VI, and Pope John Paul I, and he was praised by Cardinal Richard Cushing and Archbishop Philip M. Hannan.

● Writings and Philosophy

Sheen was a prolific writer and authored over 60 books, including Peace of Soul and The Life of Christ. His writings were influenced by St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Augustine of Hippo, and Pope Leo XIII, and he was a strong advocate for Catholic social teaching. Sheen's philosophy was centered around the Catholic Church and its teachings, and he was a vocal critic of communism and atheism. He was also a close friend of G.K. Chesterton and Hilaire Belloc, and was influenced by their writings.

● Legacy and Beatification

Sheen's legacy continues to inspire millions of people around the world, and he was declared a Venerable by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012. He was also declared Blessed by Pope Francis in 2019, and his beatification was attended by Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Archbishop Christophe Pierre. Sheen's cause for canonization is ongoing, and he is expected to be canonized as a saint in the near future. He is remembered for his charismatic preaching and inspiring sermons, and his television shows continue to be watched by millions, including Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

● Personal Life and Interests

Sheen was known for his simple and humble lifestyle, and he lived in a small apartment in New York City. He was a close friend of Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby, and was known for his love of classical music and opera. Sheen was also a strong supporter of the Catholic Youth Organization and the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, and he worked closely with Mother Teresa and Archbishop Oscar Romero. He died on December 9, 1979, at the age of 84, and was buried in St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, alongside Cardinal Francis Spellman and Archbishop John Hughes. Category:American Roman Catholic bishops