The late American Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, the voice of Catholicism in America for nearly half a century, was one of the most influential evangelizers of the twentieth century. His beatification will be held in St. Louis, Missouri on September 24.
A gifted teacher, preacher, and communicator, Archbishop Sheen was known to captivateaudiences through his Sunday radio program, The Catholic Hour, which reached an estimated four million listeners at the height of its popularity. In 1951, he brought his message to television with the weekly series Life Is Worth Living, attracting nearly 30 million viewers. In today’s language, he would undoubtedly be described as an “influencer.”
His charisma, eloquence, and unwavering commitment to evangelization led to his appointment as National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States, a position he held from 1950 to 1966. During those sixteen years, Archbishop Sheen tirelessly encouraged Catholics to proclaim the Gospel ad gentes (to all nations) and to support the pastoral life of young Churches throughout Africa, Asia, Oceania, and Latin America.
One of his greatest accomplishments was transforming missionary fundraising in the United States. Through his compelling appeals, he inspired Catholics to see missionary giving not merely as charitable support but as a spiritual responsibility shared by every believer. Donations increased dramatically, and before long, the Church in the United States was contributing nearly two-thirds of all worldwide funds raised for the missions.
The impact of this generosity was immense. During Archbishop Sheen’s tenure, missionary programs supported by the Pontifical Mission Societies provided care to more than 54 million people annually, including children, the elderly, the sick, and those suffering from leprosy. At the same time, he modernized missionary communications, using the media of his day to educate, inspire, and mobilize millions of Catholics in support of the Church’s missionary work.
Archbishop Sheen left behind an extraordinary legacy of missionary zeal, visionary leadership, and evangelization. His witness continues to inspire missionary disciples throughout the world.
As we reflect on his life and example, let us ask for his intercession in these times, when proclaiming the Gospel can be challenging in an increasingly secular world. May we renew our commitment to Christ’s missionary mandate so that, in the words of Pope Leo XIV, “the whole world may recognize in Christ the light that saves.”
Photo by Fred Palumbo – Wikipedia – Public Domain
