Meet the new American saint!
Fulton John Sheen, born May 8, 1895 in El Paso, Illinois was the eldest of four sons, born to Newton and Delia (Fulton) Sheen. He was raised and educated in the Roman Catholic faith. Originally named Peter John Sheen, as a young boy he came to be known by his mother's maiden name, Fulton. After his baptism, his mother dedicated him to the Blessed Virgin Mary, a dedication he himself renewed at his First Holy Communion. Over the course of many dedicated, steadfast years, he was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Peoria at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria, Illinois on September 20, 1919. Full article.
From the Illinois Prairie to the World Stage
Fulton John Sheen was born on May 8, 1895, in El Paso, Illinois—a small farming community in the heart of the American Midwest.
The eldest of four sons born to Newton and Delia (Fulton) Sheen, he was baptized Peter John but came to be known by his mother's maiden name, Fulton.
His mother consecrated him to the Blessed Virgin Mary at his baptism, a dedication he would renew at his First Holy Communion and honor throughout his entire life.
The family moved to a farm outside Peoria after his father's hardware store burned down. From an early age, young Fulton showed little aptitude for farm work.
He later recalled what a neighbor once told his father:
"Newt, that oldest boy of yours, Fulton, will never be worth a damn. He's always got his nose in a book."
His brothers enjoyed the physical labor; Fulton suffered it. His heart and mind were drawn to higher things... Read Full Article
The Beatification of Archbishop Sheen
Probably no other American has done more to endear people to the Catholic faith than the beloved Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. Beginning in 1930 and for 22 years thereafter, his radio show, "The Catholic Hour," followed by his groundbreaking television program, "Life is Worth Living," in the 1950's, Sheen reached an estimated 30 million viewers each week.
Divine Humor
Enjoy a little Catholic fun in honor of a man whose wit and wisdom proved that holiness and a good laugh go hand in hand.
One of Sheen's most famous moments came at the 1953 Emmy Awards, when he won for Most Outstanding Television Personality — beating out some of the biggest names in entertainment. His acceptance speech? He simply thanked his "four writers: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John." His rival Milton Berle, never one to be outdone, later joked: "We both work for the same boss — Sky Chief Supreme."
Sheen once quipped that "an angel cleans the blackboard" on his show — and every week, sure enough, a stagehand would appear between segments to erase his notes while Sheen continued speaking as if nothing happened. Viewers loved it, and the mysterious "angel" became one of television's first running gags.
When a DuMont executive asked Sheen how he always finished his unscripted talks at exactly 22 minutes and 30 seconds without ever wearing a watch, Sheen replied simply: "When you've been teaching in Catholic universities as long as I have, you know exactly how long to talk."
Catholic Trivia: The Fulton Sheen Edition
Put your knowledge to the test and explore the legacy of Fulton J. Sheen in this Catholic trivia game.
How well do you know Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen?
Our Catholic Trivia: The Fulton Sheen Edition features 80 questions spanning his remarkable life, his beloved broadcasts, his most inspiring teachings, and his path to sainthood. Whether you grew up watching him on TV or are just discovering his legacy for the first time, each question reveals a fascinating fact about one of the greatest Catholic voices in American history. So, how well do you really know the man who thanked Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John at the Emmys? 😁
Learn more about Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen
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