Veneration: 2012
Born: May 8, 1895
Died: December 9, 1979
 

Despite his humble beginnings, Fulton J. Sheen would accomplish great things for Christ. Fulton was born in 1895 in El Paso, Illinois. His family moved to Peoria, Illinois, where he served as an altar boy at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Fulton was a very intelligent and gifted student. As a young man, Fulton went to several universities around the world. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in 1923.

Fulton was a gifted teacher and preacher. He served as a priest at St. Patrick’s Church in London and St. Patrick’s Church in Peoria. He taught theology and philosophy. He wrote many books, and he began a weekly radio broadcast. Fulton addressed many important issues of his day. He encouraged his fellow Catholics to become bolder in their faith. He wanted Catholics to integrate their faith and their daily lives together for all to see.

In 1951, Fulton was consecrated a bishop and served the Archdiocese of New York. In this same year, Fulton created a weekly television program called Life is Worth Living. His program became very popular. Millions of people watched him every week. Fulton would go on to serve as the director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. He served as the Bishop of the Diocese of Rochester, New York. He also started another television show called The Fulton Sheen Program. In 1969, Fulton was appointed Archbishop of Newport in the country of Wales.

Fulton Sheen died in 1979 and was buried in St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. In 2019, his remains were transferred to Peoria.

Shortly before his death, Pope John Paul II visited Fulton and embraced him. He said to Fulton: “You have written and spoken well of the Lord Jesus Christ. You are a loyal son of the Church.” Fulton Sheen was a much beloved Catholic with a heart for showing people the way to truth.