Our Church needs a hero of the faith like Archbishop Fulton Sheen, and maybe now more than ever. We can't let his voice go silent; there's too much at stake." —Father Andrew Apostoli, C.F.R.
I'd seen snippets of this great man in a cape on TV, with that powerful voice and those eyes that bare straight into your very soul, at that blackboard with his piece of chalk, writing +JMJ+ at the top, but for some reason I never picked up one of his 66 books, newspaper columns, or periodicals. It wasn't until I saw a book about his love and devotion to St. Therese (Archbishop Fulton Sheen's St. Therese—A Treasured Love Story) that I began to develop a great admiration for this Servant of God. Now I can't get enough of his books and videos! Ah, God works in mysterious ways. Sheen sure loved the Little Flower.
So when
Joseph Karl Publishing loaned me a DVD of the new film, "Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, Servant of All," I was thrilled. Let's just say that I needed a good box of tissues handy when I watched the life of this great archbishop unfold on the screen. I was amazed to find out how many souls he converted to Catholicism, and as I watched those who knew him describe what a humble and Christlike person he was, there was no turning back for me! The film, produced by the
Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation, shows clips and footage of him on his NBC broadcasts, and shows the life of a man destined for greatness. Who could watch him speak and not be thoroughly entranced? What a gift God gave this man.
The film music was beautiful and the commentary enlightening. One particular comment moved me to the point of tears. It was a cold, winter day and Sheen came inside from the brisk city streets without his coat on.
"Where is your coat?" the people inside asked him. "It's so cold outside."
Quietly and humbly, Sheen mentioned that he had given it to someone on the street who needed it more than he. How many of us would do such a thing? Christlike behavior, seeing our Lord in everyone we meet. Acting in the imitation of Christ, which is how Sheen lived his life.
The cause for his canonization is underway, and I pray for it to come to fruition. You can, too.
Prayer For Canonization
Heavenly Father, source of all holiness, You raise up within the Church in every age men and women who serve with heroic love and dedication. You have blessed Your Church through the life and ministry of Your faithful servant, Archbishop Fulton J Sheen. He has written and spoken well of Your Divine Son, Jesus Christ, and was a true instrument of the Holy Spirit in touching the hearts of countless people.
If it be according to Your Will, for the honor and glory of the Most Holy Trinity and for the salvation of souls, we ask You to move the Church to proclaim him a saint. We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
For more information about Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, his cause for canonization, and the film, visit www.archbishopsheencause.org.
