My grandmother always thought the honorable Bishop Fulton Sheen was just the cat’s whiskers, and she was a Presbyterian of the severest stripe. Mother told me that the blessed Bishop, had he personally asked, could have converted that diehard old Protestant.
May the Church recognize the sainthood Fulton Sheen deserves. (and if they don’t, may they admit he came quite close) 🙂
Did you notice that when Bp Sheen left the stage and was shaking hands with the panel, the last one, Dorothy Kilgallen, kissed his ring. A rare sight in todays world, but, I feel certain was a common practice of that day and time. Wonderful!
Dorothy Kilgallen was a journalist.
I hope God is preparing us another “prime time” Bishop like Bp. Sheen. Despite being a “mere” auxiliary bishop for most of his popular career, he probably had more influence on people, Catholic and non-Catholic than any prelate ever granted America.
Servant of God Fulton John Sheen, pray for us.
We definitely could use another Bishop Sheen today – someone who is able to use the media to captivate the minds and hearts of mainstream America while refusing to water down the faith.
As a child (in the 1950’s) my widowed Grandmother (RIP) worked in mid-town Manahattan. We lived in the South Bronx.
I met Bishop Sheen one night in St. Pat’s.
My Grandmother had bought tix for a Radio City showing of one of the Disney classics, Snow White, I think. Mom (RIP) took us four boys (aged four to eight) in the subway to the show.
Of course, after the movie we made a visit to St. Pat’s. And, of course, the youngest, John, was running around the Cathedral. Bishop Sheen responded when, quietly as possible, Mom called for our John, as that was the name his Mother called him.
Of course, Mom and Grandmother kissed his ring and he took time from his busy schedule to speak with us little people.
Next time I saw Bishop was at his wake in St. Pat’s.
It’s hard to believe that there was a time that a Catholic bishop was afforded such respect on American television. Can you imagine what his reception would be today?
Great memories everyone!!!! I too have one. St. Hedwigs, CA, 1965, we were collecting money for the Pagan Babies (little boxes where you would put a dime, nickel or quarter into a slot and when it was filled, Sister would send the box to the poor in Africa). Bishop Sheen was having his own Pagan Babies Drive and I saved $2.65 to send to him. He wrote me back saying he would say a Mass for me. I still have his letter.
I was very moved when Dorothy kissed his ring. With her troubled life–yet that one kiss–we know she’s ok now.
I too was moved by that simple gesture of respect.
I was also impressed, then saddened, by the high level of discourse and general politeness of the discussion. It was a delight to hear those conversational niceties once again; but sad to think that that era has long since passed us.
14 comments
My grandmother always thought the honorable Bishop Fulton Sheen was just the cat’s whiskers, and she was a Presbyterian of the severest stripe. Mother told me that the blessed Bishop, had he personally asked, could have converted that diehard old Protestant.
May the Church recognize the sainthood Fulton Sheen deserves. (and if they don’t, may they admit he came quite close) 🙂
Did you notice that when Bp Sheen left the stage and was shaking hands with the panel, the last one, Dorothy Kilgallen, kissed his ring. A rare sight in todays world, but, I feel certain was a common practice of that day and time. Wonderful!
Yes, Tony! I did catch the particular deference shown by the last actress and I’m grateful to you for giving me her name.
“Boy, have you got a crazy sponsor!” Classic line!
That clip gave me a big smile and such a feeling of sadness.
Dorothy Kilgallen was a journalist.
I hope God is preparing us another “prime time” Bishop like Bp. Sheen. Despite being a “mere” auxiliary bishop for most of his popular career, he probably had more influence on people, Catholic and non-Catholic than any prelate ever granted America.
Servant of God Fulton John Sheen, pray for us.
We definitely could use another Bishop Sheen today – someone who is able to use the media to captivate the minds and hearts of mainstream America while refusing to water down the faith.
Boy, this brings me back. Thank you.
As a child (in the 1950’s) my widowed Grandmother (RIP) worked in mid-town Manahattan. We lived in the South Bronx.
I met Bishop Sheen one night in St. Pat’s.
My Grandmother had bought tix for a Radio City showing of one of the Disney classics, Snow White, I think. Mom (RIP) took us four boys (aged four to eight) in the subway to the show.
Of course, after the movie we made a visit to St. Pat’s. And, of course, the youngest, John, was running around the Cathedral. Bishop Sheen responded when, quietly as possible, Mom called for our John, as that was the name his Mother called him.
Of course, Mom and Grandmother kissed his ring and he took time from his busy schedule to speak with us little people.
Next time I saw Bishop was at his wake in St. Pat’s.
More like him please!
R-E-S-P-E-C-T, what the heck happened to it.
It’s hard to believe that there was a time that a Catholic bishop was afforded such respect on American television. Can you imagine what his reception would be today?
Great memories everyone!!!! I too have one. St. Hedwigs, CA, 1965, we were collecting money for the Pagan Babies (little boxes where you would put a dime, nickel or quarter into a slot and when it was filled, Sister would send the box to the poor in Africa). Bishop Sheen was having his own Pagan Babies Drive and I saved $2.65 to send to him. He wrote me back saying he would say a Mass for me. I still have his letter.
I was very moved when Dorothy kissed his ring. With her troubled life–yet that one kiss–we know she’s ok now.
I too was moved by that simple gesture of respect.
I was also impressed, then saddened, by the high level of discourse and general politeness of the discussion. It was a delight to hear those conversational niceties once again; but sad to think that that era has long since passed us.
What happened to that America?
I am SOOOOOO stealing that clip!!