The Deep Prayer Life of Fulton Sheen

In this behind-the-scenes commentary captured in Peoria, Illinois (where Fulton Sheen was born and raised) during the final leg of the recent "Pivotal Players" filming trip, Bishop Barron reflects on Sheen's spirituality. Despite his public profile as a highly visible and influential evangelist, not many know about Sheen's deep prayer life and advocacy for many essential spiritual exercises commonly practiced today.

[bettewheaton]

As child my mother and I watched Bishop Fulton Sheen. We were not Catholics. I am now a convert . In retirement, I have a Ministry -Grief Support Group. The mustard seed was planted in me from Bishop Sheen.

[danielosullivan]

I'm thankful to remember this Saint. My grandparents came to Rochester NY, from Ireland. Brought up strictly Irish Catholic. My uncle was a priest, along with many other things. Our family loved this man of cloth. I still look to him for guidance 🙏☘️🇮🇪

[Bevc]

When I was small, my mother and I used watch Bishop Sheen on tv. He always had a chalkboard to write on. Then he would walk away while talking. When he came back to the chalkboard, it had been erased. I was mystified as a child. Who erased the board? “His guardian angel” my mother would say! I loved the thought. 💕

[njohn]

Bishop Fulton Sheen pray for our beloved Church

[acrovader]

While I'm not a Roman Catholic- I, as a Born Again Christian, think Fr. Sheen was one of the truly great 20th century Christians. A real, genuine, holy, Christian man. I'd rank him along with some of the other greats- C.S. Lewis, Billy Graham, A.W. Tozer, Martyn Lloyd Jones, and a few others.


I think I was first made aware of Bishop Sheen around 2002 when I was homeless and living in a motel room. Flipping through the channels on TV I came across the local Christian channel and an episode from Bishop Sheen's TV show was on. I was absolutely captivated. He was so full of joy and conviction and brimming with the Holy Spirit.


I have since downloaded hundreds of hours of his sermons and speeches and listen to them routinely on my iPhone. I even downloaded his Catholic catechism series.


What amazes me about him is the sharpness of his mind. Even late into his life. He could speak at length about our Blessed Lord without much reliance on notes. Really quite stunning.


There's not a doubt in my mind Bishop Sheen is in heaven. As our Lord has said to him- 'Well done thou good and faithful servant'.

[CameoAfro]

I fell asleep during adoration this past Sunday and I couldn't stop thinking "couldst thou not watch one hour" all the way home. It's nice to know the great Fulton Sheen had the same experience.

I don't intend to do it again, though.

[Canada-gsjc]

We NEED another venerable Fulton Sheen soon. God Bless

[daninspiration]

Absolute love the man. Arch Bishop Fulton Sheen is a Saint!

[colleenposey]

Archbishop Sheen was one of the early seeds in my catholic faith. I owe him prayer and love for staying in the back of my mind. He never failed me in knowledge, holiness and kindness. I’ll always be grateful for sharing his gifts with the church

[barbararey]

Such an inspiring spiritual practice, I'm starting out with 20 minutes and work my way up to one hour. I enjoy watching Bishop Sheen's programs on YouTube. I've learned a lot. Thanks to everyone including Bishop Barron who bring these videos to us.

[richardmcleod]

The most ardent Protestants I have ever known always listened to Archbishop Sheen's TV and radio shows. Many of those ardent Catholics are now Catholics. Even Billy Graham called Bishop Sheen the greatest communicator of the 20th Century.

[berlycece]

I am a longtime resident of the Peoria Diocese, and I LOVE our Cathedral, especially after recent renovations. I look forward to seeing the full episode on Venerable Fulton J Sheen!

[rosiegirl]

Bishop Fulton Sheen was a beautiful gift to all of us..and to the church! Bishop Sheen, Pray for us!

[czarinabaronmarquess]

Thank goodness for the livestreaming now available to those like me who are incapable of going to a church for holy hour before the Blessed Sacrament. I like it a lot. And yes, it is my favourite spot for writing, reading and praying.

[ellenmurray]

Glad to see this, always will love Sheen.

[marilyncutler]

Thank you Bishop Barron. I've always been very fond of Bishop Fulton Sheen and I love this video.

[leamarie]

Prayers and study...thank you Lord for always inspiring many of us Catholics to have a intimate relationship with you.

[wkutopperas]

I’m from Bardstown Kentucky, the area where bishop Spalding was from! His great-great-great nephew was my associate pastor as a child and is now bishop of Nashville! This connectivity of the Catholic Church is amazing!

[jclar]

I enjoy the stories to help myself, thank you Bishop Barron

[patriciapeterson]

I alwaysed love Rev Fulton Sheen but after hearing Bishop Barrons inspiring talk about Fulton Sheen I feel closer to him and love him more. I pray often that someday he will be a Saint❤️🙏🙏🙏