The coming beatification (Sept. 24) of Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen (1895-1979) offers families potentially life-changing aid for an urgent problem. We look forward to sharing what that is, but first, let’s turn to the man of the hour.
Born in El Paso, Illinois, Fulton Sheen came of age in a fast-changing media environment. By the 1930s, he was on the forefront of embracing radio for the purposes of evangelization. Then, as televisions entered every living room in America, so did Fulton Sheen, with his famous Life is Worth Living program, watched by upwards of 30 million viewers (watch an episode with your family here, on EWTN’s YouTube channel).
In the coming days, many amazing things will be said about soon-to-be Blessed Fulton Sheen. If you’re new to his life, try this 18-min. documentary produced by Truthly, The Celebrity Priest Who Couldn’t Be Bought, complete with reflections by Bishop Barron.
Now, back to the potentially life-changing aid—we can apply Sheen’s witness to our own families’ challenges with building vibrant Catholic culture in the home. Every Christian family is wrestling with the tension between two trifectas: busyness-distraction-passivity on the one hand, and intentionality-presence-intiative on the other. As we’ve outlined in “Initiative and Family Culture” and “Busyness vs. Intentional Living,” the temptations, frustrations, and overwhelm facing every family today are constant.
In these historic and exhilarating days—as we celebrate the witness of this remarkable man—we invite you to examine how Blessed Fulton Sheen might become your ally. In your family’s quest to use media and technology well, push back against passivity, and take a resolute step towards the riches of an intentional Catholic culture in your home, this new Blessed can intercede for us!
In this beautiful passage on the home as a type of Nazareth, Blessed Fulton Sheen invites us to glimpse the beautiful prize that awaits us when we beg God to deepen the communion in our family:
“Because Nazareth was so different, it is then so imitable. Because it is the light, we can see our way. Once that earthly trinity [the Holy Family] stood revealed, the family could never again be the result of a lease or a contract alone; it would be a union, a fellowship, as indissoluble as the Trinity of which it was the reflection. Nazareth tells us the kind of love that makes a home, namely, Divine Love on a pilgrimage into time from eternity.”
Yes, that’s the kind of home we all desire and pray for … our own Nazareth in which to raise saints! And what better Blessed to turn to with this intention than Blessed Fulton Sheen? After all, he tackled media as a powerful culture-shaping force, prayerfully, lovingly, and wisely using it for good ends while elevating and shining a light on the primary roles of marriage, family, and the home.
In the celebratory days ahead, as we mark Blessed Sheen’s beatification, we invite you to:
- Reflect on Blessed Fulton Sheen’s astute and even saintly use of media. Then ask the Lord to help you examine your heart with regard to media use.
- Embrace Blessed Fulton Sheen’s famous call to holy hours and commit to just one holy hour in the coming week with the express purpose of asking the Lord to heal and renew your family culture.
- Turn to this new Blessed with your frustrations—and desires!—about your family culture and media use, as if you are turning to a holy, wise, and attentive friend. Ask him to intercede for these longings of your heart, that your home would become “Divine Love on a pilgrimage.”
Yes, life is worth living! And yes, the life of your family culture and your family’s media use is worth getting right—or at least getting a little better, day by day. Engage Blessed Fulton Sheen as a friend on this path. Whether you ask his help with phone-free zones and times, lingering around the table instead of rushing to Netflix, or reengaging with the family rosary, he is sure to help as your family moves toward increasing communion in the image of the Holy Trinity.
Blessed Fulton Sheen, pray for us.
➤ The article Venerable Fulton Sheen Beatification Set for Sept. 24 in St. Louis states the Vatican announced Archbishop Fulton Sheen will be beatified Sept. 24 at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle presiding. (Catholic World Report)
➤ Watch EWTN Live — Beatification Mass Coverage All-day live coverage begins 9 a.m. ET on Sept. 24; the Beatification Mass itself airs live starting 2 p.m. ET. (EWTN)
➤ In the podcast The Miracle. The Process. And the 75,000 Person Event behind the Beatification of Fulton Sheen, Chris Stefanick sits down with Bishop Tylka of Peoria to unpack Sheen’s life, the healing miracle behind the cause, and what to expect at the Mass. (Chris Stefanick Catholic Show)
➤ The video The Celebrity Priest Who Couldn’t Be Bought shares how Fulton Sheen was America’s biggest TV star, then refused to back down in a fight over mission funds, costing him his status in a big market. It’s an inspiring view into the integrity behind “America’s Bishop,” right before his beatification. (Truthly on YouTube)
➤ Are you a parent, priest, director of religious education, or principal interested in building community among families at your parish or parish school? Discover all the details here, and easily schedule a quick 15-minute discovery call with our team here. Dioceses can benefit from a special offer: three subscriptions for just $999 (or $499/year for your parish). Take the first step toward strengthening community among families at your parish right here!
➤ For those in the Washington, DC area, registration for the conference Together in Holiness is now open! Soren will be giving one of the talks. Engaged and married couples are invited to visit togetherinholiness.org/washington to learn more and register.
➤ We’re hiring! For Heaven in Your Home readers within driving distance of Leesburg, VA, Trinity House Cafe + Market is hiring. We’re looking for a part-time barista (10–20 hours/week) to join the Trinity House Cafe + Market team! If you enjoy serving others, creating a welcoming atmosphere, and being part of a ministry of hospitality, we’d love to hear from you. Learn more and apply here.
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