Fulton J. Sheen has just become the Catholic Church's newest Blessed and the first U.S.-born bishop to achieve this recognition. Born in El Paso, Illinois, Sheen was one of the most celebrated Catholic communicators of the 20th century. Known for his radio and television programs, he captivated millions of viewers with his accessible way of sharing the faith and even won an Emmy Award in 1953.
His life was marked by fearless preaching of the Gospel, memorable quotes, and a love for the Eucharist. He is considered a "prophet" for having preached and taught things that transcended his own time; here are some timeless lessons we can apply to our lives today.
1. Use your talent to evangelize
Fulton Sheen was known for his eloquence and his gift for teaching and preaching Catholic doctrine; his television program reached 50 million viewers, making him a highly charismatic figure who was respected and loved even in secular circles.
Blessed Sheen recognized communication as one of the greatest gifts God had bestowed upon him, using it to preach the Gospel and write over seventy books that continue to inspire and teach to this day. His witness reminds us that we, too, are called to evangelize using our talents and abilities, certain that they were given to us to be put to good use and can serve as a path to sanctification for ourselves and for others.
2. Be convinced of what you believe
If there is something we can all agree on, it is that Fulton Sheen preached with authority and boldness. Even when addressing topics that were difficult, or even sensitive, for the society of his time, the bishop did not mince words. He always preached the Church's truth with charity, yet without fear of remaining faithful to his beliefs. He adapted the message to the audience, but never its content.
In a world of "cancel culture," where many fear speaking up for or defending their beliefs, dreading judgment and consequences, Fulton Sheen shows us that, with discernment and sincerity, it is possible to engage in dialogue with those who think differently without compromising the Truth.
3. Holiness is a daily journey
One of Blessed Sheen’s best-known quotes is, "You say you don't go to Church because it's full of hypocrites there? I say you're right, but come anyway, we've got room for one more." With good humor, he invited those who had drifted away from God and the Church to return, focusing not on the sins and shortcomings of others, but on the divine grace available to everyone.
Being "in the Church" does not mean we cease to sin or instantly become saints. Through his message, Sheen teaches us that holiness is a daily decision, not something that happens magically. It is a path we walk until the very last day of our lives; we will stumble, as will others, but it is always time to start over!
4. The Church is you
In one of his popular sayings, Blessed Sheen also echoes one of the most beautiful truths of the faith: the Church is not a building, but each one of us. “Who's going to save our Church? It's not our bishops, it's not our priests and it is not the religious. It is up to you, the people. You have the minds, the eyes and the ears to save the Church. Your mission is to see that the priests act like priests, your bishops act like bishops, and the religious act like religious.”
Far from diminishing the role of ordained ministers or centering the spotlight solely on the laity, Sheen sought to emphasize that every state of life and vocation has its place and role within the Church, and it is up to each person to live out their calling well. Although the Church is made of sinful people, each of us is called to bear witness and serve as an example to others, both within and outside the Church, thereby inspiring our brothers and sisters to remain faithful to what God calls them to live.
5. Jesus as the center of everything
One of the best-known facts about Blessed Fulton Sheen is the great love and devotion he held for Jesus in the Eucharist. When he was in seminary, he made the resolution to spend an hour before the Blessed Sacrament every day, a commitment he kept faithfully, even passing away during his Holy Hour on December 9, 1979.
Through his testimony, Sheen inspires us to commit ourselves to a life of prayer and to draw closer to Jesus and the sacraments. For it is useless to have gifts and initiatives if Jesus is not the root and center of our lives. All our works must spring from our relationship with God; when we do this, good fruits naturally follow—just as they did in the life of Fulton Sheen.