Things on my Blog - Venerable Fulton Sheen

 

Fulton J. Sheen (1895-1979) was an American Archbishop, and a great and eloquent preacher. He had a great talent for conveying theological ideas, preaching in a clear and simple, yet unpatronising way. Many of his talks and sermons are recorded, and also published in his various books - he had the courage to tackle controversial topics head on, to stand up for the Faith, and does not 'pull any punches' in what he says. He was a most entertaning speaker to listen to, keeping your attention through his use of dramatic delivery (he often resembles a Shakespearian actor), and by the use of humour to draw you in before making the serious and profound point.

Through the 1950's and '60's, he had a regular 'slot' on American prime-time television - imagine something like that happening now (especially in the UK - the BBC giving up an hour of early evening TV to let a Bishop preach - there would be a thing to behold!).

There is a cause for his canonisation which was opened in 2002. In June 2012, the Holy Father officially recognized a decree from the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, stating that he lived a life of "heroic virtues", and granted him the title 'Venerable'.

Below is a sequence of videos which show Fulton Sheen's last Good Friday sermon, a few months before his death.