For all the saints who from their labors rest,who Thee by faith before the world confessed; Thy name,Jesus,be forever blest.Alleluia, Alleluia!
For Martyrs, who with rapture kindled eye, saw the bright crown descending from the sky, and seeing, grasped it, thee we glorify. Alleluia, Alleluia!
For God is not unjust; he will not overlook your work and the love that you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still do. Hebrews 6:10
Ode to A Gift
Venerable Fulton Sheen is an American all-star Saint. He lived from 1895 to 1979, the era of television, radio, music videos, Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, bell bottoms, political shifts, the Beetles and the Beach Boys. He was from Illinois but did most of his ministry in New York, eventually becoming a bishop there. Sheen taught theology and philosophy at the Catholic University of America in DC. He was one of the first Saints to u e television and radio as a means for evangelization promoting the dignity of life and preaching. He eventually had his own television show called The Fulton Sheen Program which aired for seven years. He received two Emmy Awards for Most Outstanding Television Personality and was featured on the cover of Time Magazine. He wrote books and quickly became a public figure and is currently one of the most influential Catholics of the 20th century.
And if all that doesn't convince you that he is an All-American Man just read this, The average American is physically, biologically, psychologically and neurologically unable to do anything worthwhile before he has a cup of coffee. And that goes for prayer too. Even sisters in convents whose rules were written before electric percolators were developed would do well to update their procedures. Let them have coffee before meditaon. This is his advice to leaders of ministry in the United States!
When I read and listen to Fulton Sheen (such an accessible saint because of recordings) I feel understood. Most importantly he knows how hard it is to become a saint in our modern culture which means he has the BEST advice to offer those of us that are trying to grow in holiness.
My discovery of Fulton Sheen starts with mercy, like all the best ones. Three years ago I began to experience mercy through a Sister in Christ not for the first time, not the last time but in a very particular way. She gave me a book called “Mornings with Fulton Sheen” for my 21 st birthday. We spent the next year apart but I was transformed by his writings alongside our friendship. I could tell you a whole bunch of things from that year, details of my life that lead to vocation, deep friendship, an understanding of the Father, and a deep realization of mercy for both of us.
But all those things were particular to me and the things Christ knew I needed. He wants to do the same with you. He lead me down this path through the incredible example of Venerable Fulton Sheen and can do the same for you! I guess at the end of the day I want this post to inspire you to read, listen to and allow yourself to be transformed by the harrowing truth taught by this man. He truly an example to every man and woman in America striving for sanctity.
"Only when God ceases to be infinitely merciful and only when you begin to be infinitely
evil, will there be reason for despair; and that will never be" Venerable Fulton Sheen
To Jesus through Mary-Hannah Terbrack
