Bishop Fulton Sheen was born on May 8, 1895 in El Paso, Illinois. He was the oldest of four sons and also had a half-sister. From a young age, Sheen showed a strong devotion to his faith and began serving as an altar boy in his local parish.
Sheen went on to attend Saint Viator College in Bourbonnais, Illinois, where he studied philosophy and theology. After completing his studies there, he furthered his education at the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium, earning a doctorate in theology.
Sheen's career in the Catholic Church began when he was ordained as a priest in 1919. He quickly gained a reputation for his eloquent preaching and captivating speaking style. In 1930, Sheen was appointed as a professor of philosophy at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
It was during this time that Sheen also began his work in radio, hosting a program called The Catholic Hour. His popularity continued to grow, and in 1951, he began hosting a television program called Life Is Worth Living. This show, which aired on the Dumont Television Network, quickly became a hit and cemented Sheen's status as a household name.
Sheen's use of television as a platform for spreading the message of the Catholic Church was groundbreaking at the time. He was one of the first religious leaders to embrace the power of the medium and used it to reach millions of viewers with his teachings.
Sheen's impact extended beyond the realm of television. He wrote numerous books on theology and spirituality, many of which became bestsellers. Sheen's ability to connect with people of all backgrounds and faiths made him a beloved figure in American culture.
In 1969, Sheen was appointed as the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of New York. He continued to serve in this role until his retirement in 1979. Throughout his career, Sheen received numerous honors and awards for his contributions to the Catholic Church and his work in broadcasting.
Sheen passed away on December 9, 1979, but his legacy lives on. He was declared venerable by the Catholic Church in 2012, and his cause for canonization is currently being considered. Sheen's impact on the world of television and religion continues to be felt to this day.