Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen was a bishop and evangelist of the Catholic Church known for his preaching and media presence in America. Fulton Sheen novena for canonization is prayed for his early canonization from the Vatican.
About Venerable Fulton Sheen
The future Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen was born Peter John Sheen on May 8, 1895, in El Paso, Illinois, to farmer Newt Sheen and his wife, Delia.
At a young age, he was influenced by one of the founders of The Catholic University of America. Sheen dropped a wine cruet on the floor while serving Mass as an altar boy for Bishop John L. Spalding of Peoria when he was 8 years old.
Bishop Spalding spoke to the terrified kid after the Mass and made two bold predictions concerning him. First, the bishop stated that he would one-day study in Louvain, Belgium, and that “someday you will be just as I am,” as he informed the young Sheen.
Sheen attended Spalding Institute for high school, then St. Viator College in Illinois, and Saint Paul Seminary in Minnesota before being ordained a priest on September 20, 1919. Newt Sheen, a farmer, and his wife Delia had four children, with Sheen being the oldest.
He was an altar boy at Peoria, Illinois’ Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception as a child. Sheen went to a religious school before enrolling at St. Viator College in Bourbonnais, Illinois, where he received his B.A. in 1917 and his M.A. in 1919. Later that year, he was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest.
Even in his early years, Father Sheen’s preaching abilities were noted. He was chosen to preach at the annual University Mass on the patronal feast of St. Thomas Aquinas in January 1927, when he was 30 years old and still in his first year of teaching at Catholic University.
Monsignor Sheen, not a high-ranking official, was the keynote speaker at the University’s Sesquicentennial Celebration a decade later. (At the age of 39, Pope Pius XI elevated him to the rank of monsignor.)
Not only did the busy professor maintain his normal teaching schedule, but he also published a number of books. During his 23-year teaching tenure at Catholic University, he published 34 publications (and another 32 after he left the University).
In addition, the show’s sponsor, the National Council of Catholic Men, published transcripts of his weekly radio addresses in dozens of booklets. Pamphlets were used to publish many of his other presentations and sermons. He also contributed to the secular press as a syndicated columnist.
His media presence was what drew attention to him. Sheen was regarded for being a dynamic and eloquent speaker who was able to translate complicated religious topics into plain English, making him a radio and television star. He began appearing on the NBC radio show “Catholic Hour” in 1930, which lasted 22 years and had a listenership of more than four million people.
He began his Emmy Award-winning program “Life is Worth Living” in 1952, and it ran for 13 years, attracting an estimated 30 million weekly viewers. His themes of patriotism, Christian faith, and morality resonated profoundly with both Catholics and non-Catholics in the United States.
Pope John Paul II embraced Archbishop Sheen in New York’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral two months before his death. “You have written and spoken well of the Lord Jesus,” the Holy Father told him in that encounter on October 2, 1979. He was a devout follower of the Church.
He is the patron saint of evangelization and the media. His feast day is informally observed on December 9th.
Facts about Fulton Sheen
Feast: December 9th
Birth: May 8, 1895
Death: December 9, 1979
Significance of Novena for the Canonization of Fulton Sheen Prayers
On hearing about the postponement of the beatification of Fulton Sheen, Peoria Bishop Daniel R. Jenky was deeply saddened. He then in a video released on Dec. 9, the 40th anniversary of Archbishop Sheen’s death said that he was confident in the power of prayer and announced a novena for the canonization of Fulton Sheen.
Read more: St. Louis de Montfort Novena
Novena for the Canonization of Fulton Sheen Prayers
Day 1
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
“How God will judge my life I know not, but I trust he will see me with mercy and compassion. I am only certain there will be three surprises in Heaven. First of all, I will see some people whom I never expected to see. Second, there will be a number whom I expected who will not be there. And – even relying on God’s mercy – the biggest surprise of all may be that I will be there. When the record of any human life is set down, there are three pairs of eyes who see it in a different light. 1. As I see it. 2. As others see it. As God sees it.” (Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen)
Lord, help us to focus on You as Fulton Sheen did so that we may be humble when looking upon ourselves, so that others will see You when they look upon us, and so we can see our lives as You see us.
Prayer for Canonization of Venerable Fulton Sheen
Heavenly Father, source of all holiness, You raise up within the Church in every age men and women who serve with heroic love and dedication. You have blessed Your Church through the life and ministry of Your faithful servant, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. He has written and spoken well of Your Divine Son, Jesus Christ, and was a true instrument of the Holy Spirit in touching the hearts of countless people. If it be according to Your Will, for the honor and glory of the Most Holy Trinity and for the salvation of souls, we ask You to move the Church to proclaim him a saint. We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Recite once
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory Be
Day 2
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
“Protestants, Jews and Catholics have God, morality, and religion in common. In the name of God, let us – Jews, Protestants, and Catholics – do two things: 1. Realize that an attack upon one is an attack upon all, since we are all one in God; it is not tolerance we need, but charity; not forbearance but love. 2. Begin doing something about religion, and the least we can do is say our prayers; to implore God’s blessings upon the world and our country; to thank Him for his blessings; and to become illumined in the fullness of His truth. There is entirely too much talk about religion and not enough action.” (Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen)
Lord, Fulton Sheen reached out to people of every religion. Help us to focus on what we have in common instead of our differences.
Prayer for Canonization of Venerable Fulton Sheen
Heavenly Father, source of all holiness, You raise up within the Church in every age men and women who serve with heroic love and dedication. You have blessed Your Church through the life and ministry of Your faithful servant, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. He has written and spoken well of Your Divine Son, Jesus Christ, and was a true instrument of the Holy Spirit in touching the hearts of countless people. If it be according to Your Will, for the honor and glory of the Most Holy Trinity and for the salvation of souls, we ask You to move the Church to proclaim him a saint. We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Recite once
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory Be
Read more: St. Josephine Bakhita Novena
Day 3
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
“In every friendship hearts grow and entwine themselves together, so that the two hearts seem to make only one heart with only a common thought. That’s why separation is so painful; it is not so much two hearts separating, but one being torn asunder.” (Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen)
Lord, help me to build up spiritual friendship in my life so I can become one with them as we will all be one in heaven. Above all, help me to realize that separation from You means an empty heart for me.
Prayer for Canonization of Venerable Fulton Sheen
Heavenly Father, source of all holiness, You raise up within the Church in every age men and women who serve with heroic love and dedication. You have blessed Your Church through the life and ministry of Your faithful servant, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. He has written and spoken well of Your Divine Son, Jesus Christ, and was a true instrument of the Holy Spirit in touching the hearts of countless people. If it be according to Your Will, for the honor and glory of the Most Holy Trinity and for the salvation of souls, we ask You to move the Church to proclaim him a saint. We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Recite once
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory Be
Day 4
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
“The great tragedy of life is not so much what men have suffered, but what they have missed. And what greater tragedy is there than to miss the peace of sin forgiven? There is not a man living who, if he willed it, could not enjoy the spiritual food and drink which God serves to all who ask.” (Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen)
Lord, Fulton Sheen led so many to peace of soul by introducing them to your forgiveness. Help us to share your gift of peace to others by introducing them to Your true loving forgiveness and gift of Confession.
Prayer for Canonization of Venerable Fulton Sheen
Heavenly Father, source of all holiness, You raise up within the Church in every age men and women who serve with heroic love and dedication. You have blessed Your Church through the life and ministry of Your faithful servant, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. He has written and spoken well of Your Divine Son, Jesus Christ, and was a true instrument of the Holy Spirit in touching the hearts of countless people. If it be according to Your Will, for the honor and glory of the Most Holy Trinity and for the salvation of souls, we ask You to move the Church to proclaim him a saint. We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Recite once
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory Be
Day 5
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
“All love on this earth involves choice. When, for example, a young man expresses his love to a young woman and asks her to become his wife, he is not just making an affirmation of love; he is also negating his love for anyone else. In that one act by which he chooses her, he rejects all that is not her. There is no other real way in which to prove we love a thing than by choosing it in preference to something else. Word and signs of love may be, and often are, expressions of egotism or passion; but deeds are proofs of love. We can prove we love our Lord only by choosing Him in preference to anything else.” (Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen)
Lord, Fulton Sheen loved you above all things. Help us to choose to put you first in our lives so that we may learn what true love is.
Prayer for Canonization of Venerable Fulton Sheen
Heavenly Father, source of all holiness, You raise up within the Church in every age men and women who serve with heroic love and dedication. You have blessed Your Church through the life and ministry of Your faithful servant, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. He has written and spoken well of Your Divine Son, Jesus Christ, and was a true instrument of the Holy Spirit in touching the hearts of countless people. If it be according to Your Will, for the honor and glory of the Most Holy Trinity and for the salvation of souls, we ask You to move the Church to proclaim him a saint. We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Recite once
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory Be
Read more: St. Hedwig Novena
Day 6
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
“Burning the candle at both ends for God’s sake may be foolishness to the world, but
it is a profitable Christian exercise for so much better the light! Only one thing in life matters: Being found worthy of the Light of the World in the hour of His visitation. We need have no undue fear for our health if we work hard for the Kingdom of God; God will take care of our health if we take care of His cause. In any case, it is better to burn out than to rust out.” (Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen)
Lord, even when tired and sick, Fulton Sheen worked unceasingly for your Kingdom. Help us to learn how to tirelessly work for You through Fulton Sheen. Help us to know that there is no rest until we rest in You.
Prayer for Canonization of Venerable Fulton Sheen
Heavenly Father, source of all holiness, You raise up within the Church in every age men and women who serve with heroic love and dedication. You have blessed Your Church through the life and ministry of Your faithful servant, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. He has written and spoken well of Your Divine Son, Jesus Christ, and was a true instrument of the Holy Spirit in touching the hearts of countless people. If it be according to Your Will, for the honor and glory of the Most Holy Trinity and for the salvation of souls, we ask You to move the Church to proclaim him a saint. We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Recite once
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory Be
Day 7
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
“How God will judge my life I know not, but I trust he will see me with mercy and compassion. I am only “Mary is not only mother of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, but she is also our mother, and this is not by a title of courtesy, not by legal fiction, not by a mere figure of speech, but by the right of bringing us forth in sorrow at the foot of the cross… Mary, by sacrifice and obedience, regained for us the title, Mother of the living. What a destiny to have the Mother of God as my Mother and Jesus as my brother. (Archbishop Fulton J Sheen)
Lord, Fulton Sheen learned obedience at the school of Mary. He had such a great relationship with her; he knew that when he went before the judgment seat of Christ You would say ‘I heard my Mother speak of you.’ Help us to better know Mary so we may gain insight into such great obedience, love, faith and hope.
Prayer for Canonization of Venerable Fulton Sheen
Heavenly Father, source of all holiness, You raise up within the Church in every age men and women who serve with heroic love and dedication. You have blessed Your Church through the life and ministry of Your faithful servant, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. He has written and spoken well of Your Divine Son, Jesus Christ, and was a true instrument of the Holy Spirit in touching the hearts of countless people. If it be according to Your Will, for the honor and glory of the Most Holy Trinity and for the salvation of souls, we ask You to move the Church to proclaim him a saint. We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Recite once
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory Be
Day 8
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
“If we followed the same rules for health that we do about religion, we would all be bedridden. It is not enough to talk about the necessity of health; we must do something practical about it – for example, eat, exercise, and rest. So it is with religion. We must nourish ourselves with the truths of God, exercise our spiritual muscles in prayer, mortify ourselves of those things which are harmful to the soul, and be just as scrupulous in avoiding moral evil as we are in avoiding physical evil.” (Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen)
Lord, Fulton Sheen did not ask others to go to confession or visit our Lord an hour a day without doing it himself. He practiced what he preached. Guard us from hypocrisy and help us to lead others to you through our actions.
Prayer for Canonization of Venerable Fulton Sheen
Heavenly Father, source of all holiness, You raise up within the Church in every age men and women who serve with heroic love and dedication. You have blessed Your Church through the life and ministry of Your faithful servant, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. He has written and spoken well of Your Divine Son, Jesus Christ, and was a true instrument of the Holy Spirit in touching the hearts of countless people. If it be according to Your Will, for the honor and glory of the Most Holy Trinity and for the salvation of souls, we ask You to move the Church to proclaim him a saint. We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Recite once
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory Be
Day 9
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
“The better we become, the less conscious we are of our goodness. If anyone admits to being a saint, he is close to being a devil. Jean Jacques Rousseau believed that of all men, he was the most perfect, but he had so many cracks in his soul that he abandoned his children after their birth. The more saintly we become, the less conscious we are of being holy. A child is cute so long as he does not know that he is cute. As soon as he thinks he is, he turns into a brat. True goodness is unconscious.” (Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen)
Lord, Fulton Sheen always thought of himself as an unworthy servant and never thought himself a saint. Help us to be humble in our service and to realize as Fulton Sheen realized that all good works come from You.
Prayer for Canonization of Venerable Fulton Sheen
Heavenly Father, source of all holiness, You raise up within the Church in every age men and women who serve with heroic love and dedication. You have blessed Your Church through the life and ministry of Your faithful servant, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. He has written and spoken well of Your Divine Son, Jesus Christ, and was a true instrument of the Holy Spirit in touching the hearts of countless people. If it be according to Your Will, for the honor and glory of the Most Holy Trinity and for the salvation of souls, we ask You to move the Church to proclaim him a saint. We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Recite once
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory Be
Read more: St. Dominic Novena
We are praying for a miracle for a relative in Ohio . If if be the will of God may Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen heal her and restore her health. Amen