On September 24, the United States celebrated a historic moment: The first beatification of an American-born bishop, Blessed Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. 

The life of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

His life was a full-time commitment to proclaiming the Gospel across mass media airwaves — first on the radio (The Catholic Hour, 1930 to 1950) and later on television (Life Is Worth Living, 1952 to 1957, which earned him an Emmy Award for Best Television Personality in 1953). 

While these activities garnered him celebrity status, Archbishop Sheen remained focused and disciplined, prioritizing the Gospel message of God’s love, mercy, and justice far above his growing fame as a Catholic televangelist.

Blessed Sheen warmed the hearts of millions of Americans each week during Life Is Worth Living. 

With bold rhetoric, gripping storytelling, unapologetic orthodoxy and patriotism, and a notable self-deprecating humor, Archbishop Sheen brought the Gospel message to the airwaves at a time when television was making its way into virtually every American household. 

At the September 24 beatification ceremony, commentators remembered Blessed Sheen’s audacity and unflinching desire to convert souls to Christ. 

But more noteworthy, every speaker emphasized his personal devotional practices: his daily Holy Hour and his humble submission to the Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.

“My Lord and my God” —quoting the words of St. Thomas the Apostle, Cardinal Timothy Dolan reminded us that “those five words are at the heart of our Catholic Faith, and we must repeat them often to exercise our faith muscle.” 

The fascinating juxtaposition of Blessed Sheen is that the polished rhetorician and scholastic doctor was daily moved to sit attentively before the Blessed Sacrament, reduced to five simple words of baffled awe.

Lessons from Blessed Sheen

We American Catholics have much to learn from Blessed Sheen. 

For one, when the voice of the Church proclaims the realities available within her sacred deposit of faith with clear belief in its reasonableness, the results are remarkable — and we are often shocked at how many people respond positively. 

Many will also respond negatively, but setbacks must never sideline our efforts nor dampen our audacity. 

Secondly, the power of truth is perfected when partnered with the New Law of our Lord: Charity. 

Charity is the outpouring of love for our neighbor in response to the overwhelming power of the love of God in our hearts. 

It is God’s love activated in the life of the believer. 

A life that proclaims the clear truth of God’s revelation, driven by His love springing from our hearts to those of our neighbors — that, Blessed Sheen shows us, is a life worth living.

Blessed Sheen is certainly best known for his television program and personality, but away from the cameras, he was a tireless international apostle of mercy. 

As noted by many commentators, Blessed Sheen personally sponsored, visited, and served the sick and poor around the world. 

According to the records of the Pontifical Mission Societies — which he headed for 16 years during the 1950s and 60s — the massive influx of resources he generated helped fund and support care for over 54 million people annually, providing medical assistance, food, and shelter to the sick, the elderly, orphans, and populations afflicted by poverty and diseases like leprosy.

The enduring legacy of Blessed Sheen

All this considered, what I find most miraculous about Blessed Sheen is his resurgence in popularity in recent decades. 

I discovered the recordings of Life Is Worth Living through EWTN radio. 

On first contact, I thought he was a bit over-the-top — too dramatic and intense for my taste. 

But his delivery grew on me, and the message of the Gospel, so clearly and charitably delivered, often forced my truck into park on a side street during my drive home from work. 

Through the clicks and pops of mid-century recording technology, his voice diagnosed the very same issues and obstacles to Christ that we still face today, and with nuanced treatment, showed the way forward through the murk of modern culture. 

His message resonated: Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever!

There is much to take away from the story of Blessed Sheen. 

As missionary disciples, we must always prioritize our own discipleship at the foot of Christ before any other endeavor. 

The grace, peace, and love we experience there must then compel us to share with those around us — whether in a small group of family and friends gathering for dinner or perhaps even in a grand, award-winning mass media production. 

Either way, seek first the Kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you.

Blessed Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, pray for us!