Fulton Sheen Nears Sainthood, His Message Would Be Labeled 'Extremist' Today, Commentator Says
Archbishop Fulton Sheen was beatified in St. Louis, a step toward sainthood, while conservative commentator Michael Knowles suggests Sheen's core messages on faith and anti-communism would be met with modern-day condemnation.
Archbishop Fulton Sheen, a mid-20th century media icon, has been beatified in St. Louis, a significant step toward potential sainthood. The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including former President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, who joined Catholics in celebrating Sheen's life. The White House recognized Sheen as the first American-born bishop to be beatified by the Catholic Church.
Conservative commentator Michael Knowles remarked that Sheen's foundational messages about Christianity, morality, and the threat of communism, which drew tens of millions of viewers through his television program "Life Is Worth Living" and radio show "The Catholic Hour," would likely lead to him being labeled a "far-right extremist" in today's cultural climate. "He wouldn't need to change his message," Knowles stated, suggesting that Sheen's directness would immediately draw such labels.
A Pioneer of Religious Broadcasting
Sheen achieved unparalleled success in religious broadcasting decades before the advent of modern digital platforms. His radio program, "The Catholic Hour," reached an estimated four million people, while "Life Is Worth Living" captivated an audience of approximately 30 million viewers. Sheen's format was notably simple: he stood before a chalkboard, often wearing his clerical robes, and discussed faith, morality, suffering, and human dignity with a blend of theology, storytelling, and humor.
Knowles described Sheen as the "very first televangelist" who understood the power of reaching audiences directly. Sheen's influence extended beyond religious circles; he competed with mainstream entertainers like Milton Berle and Frank Sinatra in weekly ratings, appeared on the cover of Time magazine, and won an Emmy for outstanding television personality. Even Pope Francis, formerly Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, recalled watching Sheen's evangelization as a young man, and later approved the miracle necessary for Sheen's beatification.
Modern-Day Criticisms and Sheen's Enduring Message
Knowles suggested that Sheen's traditional Catholic teachings on issues such as sex, marriage, and human nature, coupled with his strong anti-communist stance, would likely provoke intense criticism in contemporary society. He posited that Sheen's "unapologetic apologetics" would be a primary reason for potential "cancellation." However, Knowles believes Sheen would ultimately have "the last laugh in heaven."
Sheen's opposition to communism was a cornerstone of his ministry, and the White House highlighted his role in bringing Christian teachings to a world threatened by communist ideology. He also voiced concerns in the 1960s about what he perceived as a destructive trend in American society, questioning the ability to build anything positive when so much was being torn down.
The Path to Beatification
Sheen's journey to beatification was not solely based on his media career but on the Catholic Church's assessment of his spiritual life and a miracle attributed to his intercession. The miracle accepted for his beatification involved an infant born in 2010 without a heartbeat or respiration, who reportedly revived and made a full recovery after 61 minutes. Pope Francis approved this miracle in 2019.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, representing Pope Francis at the ceremony, emphasized Sheen's relationship with Christ and his missionary work. Sheen's influence extended to future popes; he met Cardinal Karol Wojtyla (later Pope John Paul II) and Father Joseph Ratzinger (later Pope Benedict XVI) during the Second Vatican Council. Shortly before his death in 1979, Sheen had an emotional encounter with Pope John Paul II at St. Patrick's Cathedral, where the Pope embraced him and called him a "loyal son of the Church."
Knowles concluded that Sheen's ability to connect with a broad audience stemmed from his serious approach to life, without taking himself too seriously, which made complex theological and philosophical ideas accessible. He noted that Sheen's dedication to daily prayer, his "Holy Hour," was central to his ministry. Knowles urged followers to emulate Sheen's example rather than merely admire his celebrity.
