Fascinating Facts About Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen
A look into the extraordinary life, faith, and legacy of one of America’s most beloved evangelists.
As our Church continues to pray for the beatification of Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, many parishioners know him as the captivating bishop from classic television and radio. Beyond his famous smile and sweeping cape, however, lies the incredible story of a holy priest, scholar, and missionary.
Here are key facts about Archbishop Sheen’s remarkable life:
1. A Miraculous Beatification Intercession
The miracle approved for Archbishop Sheen’s beatification took place in his home diocese of Peoria. In September 2010, baby James Fulton Engstrom was born stillborn with no heartbeat for 61 minutes. As doctors prepared to pronounce him dead, his parents desperately prayed for Bishop Sheen’s intercession. Suddenly and without medical explanation, the baby’s heart began to beat normally. Today, James Fulton is a healthy, thriving young man!
2. A Broadcast Pioneer & Emmy Award Winner
Long before modern digital media, Sheen was a media giant. He hosted The Catholic Hour on NBC Radio for 22 years before transitioning to television in 1952 with Life Is Worth Living, drawing an estimated 30 million viewers each week. In 1953, he won an Emmy Award for Most Outstanding Television Personality—besting stars like Lucille Ball! Upon receiving his award, he famously joked: "I want to thank my four writers: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John."
3. Dedicated to the Holy Hour & Blessed Mother
Archbishop Sheen credited his spiritual strength to two daily habits: making a daily Eucharistic Holy Hour in front of the Blessed Sacrament and a profound devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He made his daily Holy Hour every single day of his priesthood, from his ordination in 1919 until his death 60 years later.
4. Active at the Second Vatican Council
Bishop Sheen attended all sessions of the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965). While there, he worked closely with young theological experts, including a young priest named Father Joseph Ratzinger—who would later become Pope Benedict XVI.
5. A Prolific Author & Global Missionary
Sheen served as the National Director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith for 16 years, raising hundreds of millions of dollars for foreign missions and vulnerable communities worldwide. In addition to his preaching, he wrote nearly 70 books—including spiritual classics like Life of Christ and Peace of Soul—donating all the royalties to mission works.
6. Embraced by Pope St. John Paul II
Just two months before Archbishop Sheen passed away on December 9, 1979, Pope St. John Paul II embraced him at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York and said: "You have written and spoken well of the Lord Jesus Christ. You are a loyal son of the Church." Sheen died peacefully shortly after, praying in his private chapel in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
A Short Prayer for Archbishop Sheen’s Intercession
Heavenly Father, You called Your servant Fulton J. Sheen to guide countless souls to Jesus Christ through his words, writing, and witness. If it be Your holy will, grant that he may soon be raised to the sainthood of Your Church. Through his intercession, we ask for [insert parish/personal intention]. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.