Chicagoland

Getting to know Archbishop Sheen

By Sr. Helena Burns, FSP | Contributor
Sunday, June 20, 2010

The new one-hour documentary, “Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen: Servant of All,” is a succinct and inspiring introduction to the life and work of the man.

The DVD was produced by the Diocese of Peoria, which is enthusiastic and eager that its native son reach canonization. But what is more important to the makers of this film is that Sheen be known by a new generation of Catholics.

Sheen was the only priest ever to be offered a religious show on prime-time TV. “Life Is Worth Living,” a mixture of humor and religious instruction, became so popular that Sheen also has the distinction of being the only priest with an Emmy for “Most Outstanding Personality.” Sheen was equally prodigious and noted for his practice, from ordination on, of making a daily Holy Hour in front of the Blessed Sacrament.

In addition to authoring 66 books, Sheen travelled all over the world preaching. He took a tremendous interest in the poor of the world, as well as the poor of America, and had a habit of giving everything away. Among many activities, he was the head of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, reminding Catholics that they are missionaries by virtue of their baptism.

The documentary glides lightly (as did Sheen in his life and writings) over the intense and tragic jealousies and misunderstandings Sheen endured from his fellow clergy, but it is clear that these caused him great suffering.

However, his moment of vindication came when Pope John Paul II embraced him in New York’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral in 1979, shortly before Sheen’s death, and told him: “You have spoken and written well of Jesus Christ. You are a loyal son of the church.”

Thirty-three people are interviewed for the film, including relatives, admirers, bishops and priests who knew him, and even talk-show host Regis Philbin. Fulton Sheen’s fervor and well-crafted catecheses live on today in his books (“Peace of Soul” and his “Life of Christ” are particularly touted), as well as his continuing audio and video presence. May he one day be declared a (truly American) saint.

For the DVD, contact: Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation, P.O. Box 728 Peoria, IL 61652-0728; call (309) 671- 1550 Ext. 309; (877) 71-SHEEN, or visit www.archbishopsheencause.org.

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