Fulton Sheen

An eight-year-old altar boy was assigned to assist a bishop in serving the Eucharist. He dropped the container holding the wine (called a cruet) on the floor and it shattered. After communion, the bishop sought out the frightened boy and made two bold predictions: he will study at the esteemed Catholic University in Belgium and “someday you will be as I am.” Both predictions came true. John Peter Sheen (1895-1979) graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Catholic University in Belgium and became a bishop (and later archbishop). He taught at Catholic University in DC but was best known for his ministry in radio and television. He hosted the popular Catholic Hour radio show from 1930-1950 and switched to television in the 50’s and 60’s to host his “Life is Worth Living” broadcasts. I am old enough to remember watching him on TV.  I hadn’t a clue that his distinctive cape and beanie were actually religious vestments. His program generated 8500 weekly letters. He received an Emmy as the Most Outstanding TV Personality in the inaugural year of his unscripted show. He said in his acceptance speech, “In accepting this award, I feel it is time I pay tribute to my four writers: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.” There are so many memorable quotes attributed to Bishop Sheen. Two stand out for me: “Sometimes the only way the good Lord can get into some hearts is to break them” and “If you don’t behave as you believe you will end up believing as you behave.” Bishop Sheen taught Catholics and Protestants alike to pray using honest, everyday language. Such is his prayer that follows here: