As the Church prepares to beatify Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen on Sept. 24 in St. Louis, Bishop Robert Barron said the beloved archbishop's legacy extends far beyond his groundbreaking media ministry.
In a July 17 interview on "EWTN News In Depth," Barron said Sheen's enduring influence was rooted in decades of prayer, intellectual formation, and faithful preaching — a model he said he believes Catholic evangelists need now more than ever.
The Church's recognition follows years of investigation into Sheen's life of heroic virtue and the Vatican's approval of a miracle attributed to his intercession. During his priesthood, Sheen became known for proclaiming the Gospel through preaching, writing, radio, and television.
Evangelization built on formation
In the "EWTN News In Depth" interview with anchor Catherine Hadro, Barron, of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, said Sheen's example offers timely lessons for Catholics seeking to evangelize in today's digital media landscape.
While technology has made it easier than ever for individuals to become online personalities, Barron said authentic evangelization requires much more than a social media platform or podcast.
According to Barron, Sheen's extraordinary effectiveness in radio and television ministry was rooted in decades of intellectual, spiritual, and pastoral formation.
Before becoming one of America's best-known Catholic communicators, Sheen devoted years to seminary formation, graduate studies at The Catholic University of America, and doctoral studies at the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium. His preaching reflected a lifelong engagement with sacred Scripture and the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Augustine, G.K. Chesterton, and St. John Henry Newman.
"He begins his evangelical work only after a long apprenticeship as a teacher, as a writer, as a student," Barron said. "Fulton Sheen had an extremely rich academic formation. Seminary, Catholic University, and the advanced doctorate at Louvain."
For Barron, Sheen demonstrates that lasting evangelization is built upon disciplined study and prayer before public ministry.
"I want you to use the old medium of books," Barron said. "Read and read and read before you dream of getting in front of the microphone."
A warning for Catholic communicators
Barron said today's media environment presents opportunities for evangelization but also significant challenges.
"A lot of people just put a shingle on and say, 'I'm a Catholic spokesman,'" he said.
Without sufficient theological, philosophical, and spiritual formation, Barron warned, Catholic communicators can unintentionally misrepresent the faith.
"I think Sheen would be bothered by that," he said.
Rather than seeking influence first, Barron encouraged aspiring Catholic communicators to imitate Sheen's commitment to study, prayer, and fidelity to the Church before entering public ministry.
A life to imitate
Throughout the interview, Barron pointed to five enduring characteristics of Sheen's life that remain relevant for Catholics today: daily prayer, serious intellectual formation, Christ-centered preaching, personal humility, and joyful evangelization.
Those qualities, Barron said, explain why Sheen's witness continues to resonate decades after his death and why his influence extends well beyond his pioneering work in television.
Barron concluded by responding to comparisons often made between himself and Sheen. Although both men are Illinois natives, graduates of The Catholic University of America, and widely known for their use of media in evangelization, Barron humbly dismissed it.
"It embarrasses me because I'm much unworthy of a comparison," Barron said. "He is the greatest preacher in the history of our country."
Historic beatification
Sheen's beatification is expected to draw thousands of bishops, priests, religious, seminarians, and lay faithful from across the United States and around the world. Pilgrims are planning to travel to St. Louis not only to witness the historic celebration but also to give thanks for the enduring impact of Sheen's ministry.
As interest in Sheen continues to grow ahead of his beatification, Catholic leaders are organizing events examining his legacy. On Sept. 23, the Fulton Sheen Institute will host the conference "America's Saint: The Catholic Hour is Now" in St. Louis, bringing together scholars, clergy, and evangelists to discuss Sheen's relevance for the Church and American culture.
"This conference will rally the voices of American Catholics who championed Sheen when his cause was buried," said Peter Howard, founder and president of the Fulton Sheen Institute and Fulton Sheen Movement. "At a time marked by confusion, fragmentation, and a crisis of identity, Sheen's message cuts through the noise with conviction and clarity."
