Would you have the faith to buy a one-way ticket to Lourdes, check into the best hotel, without a penny – and trust that the Mother of God would pick up the tab?
Well that’s what a young Irish American priest did to mark the fifth anniversary of his ordination – though his nerve wavered on his last night with no sign of a miracle. “It was serious,” he laughed, “So I thought I would give the Blessed Mother another chance.” He went to the grotto and was begging Mary for help when a portly chap tapped him on the shoulder. “Are you a priest?” he asked. “Yes,” came the reply. “Do you speak French? Yes. Would you be willing to escort my family around Paris? Yes.”
Then came the most important question: “Have you paid your hotel bill yet?” The wealthy New Yorker not only insisted on settling the priest’s bill but handed him a cheque as he left Paris.
It was 1924 and Fulton J Sheen returned to his studies in Louvain with another inspiring faith story, one of many he would eventually broadcast to millions, on radio and television, as a popular bishop.
Journey
Now a modern audience may be about to tune in again. The Catholic news agency, The Pillar, is reporting that the Vatican will soon announce that Venerable Fulton Sheen will be beatified in September – six years after the ceremony was postponed. This was due to concerns that Sheen, in 1963, might have appointed a priest who was guilty of sexual misconduct. An investigation exonerated Sheen and so in 2026 the stars may finally be aligning for what some call the ‘first Televangelist’: this year marks the 250th anniversary of the United States; the Pope is an American, and the pontiff actually hails from Illinois, Sheen’s home state.
He knew that in the Kingdom of God, the true divide was not left and right but faithful and unfaithful”
Of course the Irish can claim him too: Sheen had three Irish grandparents. He was christened Peter John Sheen after his grandfather, a Dubliner but was nicknamed ‘Fulty’ or Fulton after his mother’s family who hailed from Croghan in Roscommon. The Sheen and Fulton families were united after they established farms near each other in Peoria.
By the 1950s, Sheen had been elevated to bishop and had conquered television, even winning an Emmy for his show, Life is Worth Living. Accepting the award, Bishop Sheen thanked his writers: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Bishop Sheen had a way with words and it was not just Catholics who adored his sharp mind, his Irish wit, and his courage. He was a strong shepherd – not afraid of the sheep. “It is not the task of the Church,” declared Sheen, “to tell the world what it wants to hear, but to tell the world what it needs to hear.”
These days Bishop Sheen might be called a Conservative – but he knew that in the Kingdom of God, the true divide was not left and right but faithful and unfaithful.
Theology
An intense man, with piercing eyes, and a thirst for souls, he drew his strength from adoration, spending an hour every day with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. In fact he died in his chapel December 9, 1979.
Bishop Sheen was also a theologian, publishing 66 books. Years ago, a Wexford priest, who heard I was reading his work, was rather dismissive. “A bit outdated!” he declared. “No,” I protested, “the truth is eternal. It doesn’t go out of date.”
But I think I knew what he meant.
Sheen was a man of mercy who attracted many souls to confession, and conversion. He popularised the phrase, “Hate the sin and love the sinner” – but these days Sheen might be accused of being “offensive” and “judgmental”. He spoke frankly against the sexual revolution, divorce, co-habitation, abortion, the practice of homosexuality, and other aspects of Catholic moral teaching. His broadcasting career began in the era black and white television – rather appropriate as there was nothing grey or nuanced about him. His views were well-argued and clear – a clarity that is much needed in a world confused about sin.
Free speech, truth and moral clarity are being eroded by rigid ideology and cultural pressure”
Sheen was not interested in an easy Catholicism, Christianity without the cross, or in rewriting St Paul.
His books and recordings were often laced with anti-communist commentary. I used to skip over these passages concluding they were ‘of their time’ – when Americans were obsessed with communism and ‘reds under the bed’.
But now we have the rise of extremism, and whether far right or far left (which seems to get less attention these days), the result is equally brutal. Indeed Pope Leo observed last week that our freedom is shrinking – warning that free speech, truth and moral clarity are being eroded by rigid ideology and cultural pressure.
In that context Sheen’s prophetic words are apt for our times – though Sheen, a caped spiritual superhero, ultimately warned that America’s fall, if it were to fall, would be due to moral corruption not an invading army. “You will not save America politically,” he declared. “You will save America spiritually—or not at all.”
Balance
In the battle between good and evil, Sheen had empathy but warned against falsities – including ‘false compassion’. Might we relate his point to our modern society? To abortion? Or perhaps our justice system which is increasingly criticised for treating those convicted of crime as more victim than perpetrator? Of course we must treat our brothers and sisters in prison with concern – tempering justice with mercy – but are we getting the balance right? If our compassion was weighed in the scales where would the unborn child measure, or the victim of crime?
Certainly in today’s world, where many struggle to find meaning, Sheen’s Gospel message that ‘Life is Worth Living’ is more relevant than ever.
“The world,” he said, “is like a giant puzzle with pieces that fit together only in the Christian vision.”
***
Derry Diocese has lost a much-loved parish priest with the passing of Fr Eugene Hasson, aged 70. When I met him in Omagh at his parochial house in Drumragh parish last Spring, his illness had not been diagnosed but it was taking its toll. He was clearly tired and feeling the shock of his curate returning to India. He was unsure if he was fit to lead a Triduum of masses to mark the Feast of the Sacred Heart. But after fervent prayer, he went ahead, spending himself for Christ – who promised St Margaret Mary that priests, who spread devotion to his Sacred Heart, would touch the most hardened hearts. So last week’s headline in Derry Now was very fitting: “County Derry Priest ‘touched many hearts’, funeral told”.
***
Wisdom comes with winters, according to poet and wit, Oscar Wilde. And I must say the wisdom of St Fursa warms the icy chills of January, when we celebrate his feast. This seventh century Connacht-born saint wore only a thin tunic in all weathers, and St John Chrysostum observed: “Nothing is colder than a Christian who does not care for the salvation of others.”
Sheen shines with step toward sainthood expected
Would you have the faith to buy a one-way ticket to Lourdes, check into the best hotel, without a penny – and trust that the Mother of God would pick up the tab?
Well that’s what a young Irish American priest did to mark the fifth anniversary of his ordination – though his nerve wavered on his last night with no sign of a miracle. “It was serious,” he laughed, “So I thought I would give the Blessed Mother another chance.” He went to the grotto and was begging Mary for help when a portly chap tapped him on the shoulder. “Are you a priest?” he asked. “Yes,” came the reply. “Do you speak French? Yes. Would you be willing to escort my family around Paris? Yes.”
Then came the most important question: “Have you paid your hotel bill yet?” The wealthy New Yorker not only insisted on settling the priest’s bill but handed him a cheque as he left Paris.
It was 1924 and Fulton J Sheen returned to his studies in Louvain with another inspiring faith story, one of many he would eventually broadcast to millions, on radio and television, as a popular bishop.
Journey
Now a modern audience may be about to tune in again. The Catholic news agency, The Pillar, is reporting that the Vatican will soon announce that Venerable Fulton Sheen will be beatified in September – six years after the ceremony was postponed. This was due to concerns that Sheen, in 1963, might have appointed a priest who was guilty of sexual misconduct. An investigation exonerated Sheen and so in 2026 the stars may finally be aligning for what some call the ‘first Televangelist’: this year marks the 250th anniversary of the United States; the Pope is an American, and the pontiff actually hails from Illinois, Sheen’s home state.
Of course the Irish can claim him too: Sheen had three Irish grandparents. He was christened Peter John Sheen after his grandfather, a Dubliner but was nicknamed ‘Fulty’ or Fulton after his mother’s family who hailed from Croghan in Roscommon. The Sheen and Fulton families were united after they established farms near each other in Peoria.
By the 1950s, Sheen had been elevated to bishop and had conquered television, even winning an Emmy for his show, Life is Worth Living. Accepting the award, Bishop Sheen thanked his writers: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Bishop Sheen had a way with words and it was not just Catholics who adored his sharp mind, his Irish wit, and his courage. He was a strong shepherd – not afraid of the sheep. “It is not the task of the Church,” declared Sheen, “to tell the world what it wants to hear, but to tell the world what it needs to hear.”
These days Bishop Sheen might be called a Conservative – but he knew that in the Kingdom of God, the true divide was not left and right but faithful and unfaithful.
Theology
An intense man, with piercing eyes, and a thirst for souls, he drew his strength from adoration, spending an hour every day with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. In fact he died in his chapel December 9, 1979.
Bishop Sheen was also a theologian, publishing 66 books. Years ago, a Wexford priest, who heard I was reading his work, was rather dismissive. “A bit outdated!” he declared. “No,” I protested, “the truth is eternal. It doesn’t go out of date.”
But I think I knew what he meant.
Sheen was a man of mercy who attracted many souls to confession, and conversion. He popularised the phrase, “Hate the sin and love the sinner” – but these days Sheen might be accused of being “offensive” and “judgmental”. He spoke frankly against the sexual revolution, divorce, co-habitation, abortion, the practice of homosexuality, and other aspects of Catholic moral teaching. His broadcasting career began in the era black and white television – rather appropriate as there was nothing grey or nuanced about him. His views were well-argued and clear – a clarity that is much needed in a world confused about sin.
Sheen was not interested in an easy Catholicism, Christianity without the cross, or in rewriting St Paul.
His books and recordings were often laced with anti-communist commentary. I used to skip over these passages concluding they were ‘of their time’ – when Americans were obsessed with communism and ‘reds under the bed’.
But now we have the rise of extremism, and whether far right or far left (which seems to get less attention these days), the result is equally brutal. Indeed Pope Leo observed last week that our freedom is shrinking – warning that free speech, truth and moral clarity are being eroded by rigid ideology and cultural pressure.
In that context Sheen’s prophetic words are apt for our times – though Sheen, a caped spiritual superhero, ultimately warned that America’s fall, if it were to fall, would be due to moral corruption not an invading army. “You will not save America politically,” he declared. “You will save America spiritually—or not at all.”
Balance
In the battle between good and evil, Sheen had empathy but warned against falsities – including ‘false compassion’. Might we relate his point to our modern society? To abortion? Or perhaps our justice system which is increasingly criticised for treating those convicted of crime as more victim than perpetrator? Of course we must treat our brothers and sisters in prison with concern – tempering justice with mercy – but are we getting the balance right? If our compassion was weighed in the scales where would the unborn child measure, or the victim of crime?
Certainly in today’s world, where many struggle to find meaning, Sheen’s Gospel message that ‘Life is Worth Living’ is more relevant than ever.
“The world,” he said, “is like a giant puzzle with pieces that fit together only in the Christian vision.”
***
Derry Diocese has lost a much-loved parish priest with the passing of Fr Eugene Hasson, aged 70. When I met him in Omagh at his parochial house in Drumragh parish last Spring, his illness had not been diagnosed but it was taking its toll. He was clearly tired and feeling the shock of his curate returning to India. He was unsure if he was fit to lead a Triduum of masses to mark the Feast of the Sacred Heart. But after fervent prayer, he went ahead, spending himself for Christ – who promised St Margaret Mary that priests, who spread devotion to his Sacred Heart, would touch the most hardened hearts. So last week’s headline in Derry Now was very fitting: “County Derry Priest ‘touched many hearts’, funeral told”.
***
Wisdom comes with winters, according to poet and wit, Oscar Wilde. And I must say the wisdom of St Fursa warms the icy chills of January, when we celebrate his feast. This seventh century Connacht-born saint wore only a thin tunic in all weathers, and St John Chrysostum observed: “Nothing is colder than a Christian who does not care for the salvation of others.”
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