Pope Benedict XVI declared Archbishop Fulton Sheen (1895-1979) “venerable” on June 28, and the Illinois-native could soon become the first male American-born saint. A few generations back he was the face of the Catholic Church in America for many, employing his strong speaking ability, personal piety and learning, and modern media to win many converts to the Catholic faith.
Sheen was born in El Paso, Illinois, and grew up in nearby Peoria. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Peoria in 1919, and was made auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of New York in 1951 and bishop of Rochester in 1966. But Sheen is best known for his evangelization work through the media. He hosted The Catholic Hour radio program from 1930 to 1950, and Life is Worth Living, a television program for which he won an Emmy Award, from 1951 to 1957. He also authored more than 70 books on theology, philosophy, spirituality, marriage, the priesthood, and current events, and he helped convert a number of notable personalities to the Faith.
Read Full Article »