Characters of the Passion: Lessons on Faith and Trust

by Fulton J. Sheen

This inspiring book by one of Christianity's most prolific authors brings to life many of those who played important roles in the "Eternal Drama of the Cross." This "journey" to Calvary dramatically introduces the reader to a deep and personal knowledge of faith. 96-page paperback - 5-1/8 x 7-3/8

Genres: Catholic, Religion, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Theology

96 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 1998

About the author

Fulton John Sheen was an American bishop of the Catholic Church known for his preaching and especially his work on television and radio. Ordained a priest of the Diocese of Peoria in Illinois, in 1919, Sheen quickly became a renowned theologian, earning the Cardinal Mercier Prize for International Philosophy in 1923. He went on to teach theology and philosophy at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. and served as a parish priest before he was appointed auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of New York in 1951. He held this position until 1966 when he was made bishop of the Diocese of Rochester in New York. He resigned as bishop of Rochester in 1969 as his 75th birthday approached and was made archbishop of the titular see of Newport, Wales.
For 20 years as "Father Sheen", later monsignor, he hosted the night-time radio program The Catholic Hour on NBC (1930–1950) before he moved to television and presented Life Is Worth Living (1952–1957). Sheen's final presenting role was on the syndicated The Fulton Sheen Program (1961–1968) with a format that was very similar to that of the earlier Life Is Worth Living show. For that work, Sheen twice won an Emmy Award for Most Outstanding Television Personality, and was featured on the cover of Time magazine. Starting in 2009, his shows were being re-broadcast on the EWTN and the Trinity Broadcasting Network's Church Channel cable networks. His contribution to televised preaching resulted in Sheen often being called one of the first televangelists.
The cause for his canonization was officially opened in 2002. In June 2012, Pope Benedict XVI officially recognized a decree from the Congregation for the Causes of Saints stating that he lived a life of "heroic virtues," a major step towards beatification, and he is now referred to as venerable. On July 5, 2019, Pope Francis approved a reputed miracle that occurred through the intercession of Sheen, clearing the way for his beatification. Sheen was scheduled to be beatified in Peoria on December 21, 2019, but his beatification was postponed after Bishop Salvatore Matano of Rochester expressed concern that Sheen's handling of a 1963 sexual misconduct case against a priest might be cited unfavorably in a forthcoming report from the New York Attorney General. The Diocese of Peoria countered that Sheen's handling of the case had already been "thoroughly examined" and "exonerated" and that Sheen had "never put children in harm's way".

Reviews

[Loretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book by Archbishop Fulton Sheen. He is/was a great theologian and preacher of the Word. So happy to have read this on my Lenten Journey. May God bless you Archbishop Fulton Sheen, now and forever. 😇🕊

[Clare Braski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fulton throwing punchesssssss (charitably)

[Sabine Terky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book, specially to read during Lent.
Fulton Sheen uses details from the Bible to teach us new and deep lessons in living a good christian life. One of my favorite books.

[Ted Hinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

CHARACTERS OF THE PASSION is a beautiful and inspiring read, perfect for HOLY WEEK.
Venerable Fulton J. Sheen returns us to Calvary, the site of the Passion and Crucifixion of our Lord, Jesus Christ, providing narrative on the roles of key figures: Peter, Judas, Pilate, Herod, Claudia and Herodias, Barabbas and the Thieves, and The Scars of Christ. He illustrates the part each played, the effect of the Passion on each and the relevancy to understanding our Catholic faith while discussing similar modern day issues involving politics, power, secularization, gender confusion and melding, and many other current issues. Bishop Sheen brings to life many of those who played important roles in the "Eternal Drama of the Cross."

[Richard Grebenc · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine short work that one could easily polish off in a day (only 85 printed pages). A very nice little Lenten retreat with chapters on Peter, Judas, Pilate, Herod, Claudia and Herodias, Barabbas and the Thieves, and The Scars of Christ.

As usual, Sheen provides insight into and speculation about the individuals in question and applies these lessons to us in the present day.

Lots of great nuggets although not as deep or edifying overall as some of his other works. Nevertheless, highly recommended, especially for reading during Holy Week. You will be richer for it.

[Judine Brey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the historical and theological perspectives Sheen brought to these characters. His comparisons extend beyond major figures, like Peter and Judas, to minor ones, like the wives of Herod and Pilate. Sheen uses direct, accessible language to make his points, so the book is rife with religious "aha" moments.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I so enjoy Fulton J. Sheen’s writings. This read was inspiring and confusing as the same time. I know this will require several rereads in order to fully garner the messages his words attempted to convey.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely reading essential. Through the weave of characters of Passion, the author makes us analyze out political situation and the plight of Western civilization as the forces of materialism, secularism and communism march through to destroy our souls.
An excellent meditation

[Tara Gregg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

Beautiful and inspiring book written by Bishop Sheen. Highly recommend. While some references might be considered dated today it is still a timeless read.

[Emerson John Tiu Ng · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that explains the different characters in the passion of achiever and it’s significance

[Carli A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every chapter, while short and to the point, was thought-provoking! It was such a good tool for meditation during Holy Week!

[Amy Flanagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book many times during Lent. Always find something new to think about.

[julianna stratton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for Holy Week, Sheen presents meditations on the passion from the perspective of each of the 'characters,' encouraging the reader to emulate or avoid the virtues and vices that each exemplifies. Well-written and masterfully done, each of the chapters makes the perfect short meditation on the Passion.

[Kevin W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the shock-value of Sheen's poetic genius has worn off now that I'm used to his style from all the books I've read by him. A lot of the stuff in here is repeated in his talks and in his opus magnum "Life of Christ." This book tended to focus a lot on how political/social problems of today are rooted in ideologies in the Passion. I would have preferred a more prayerful exegesis of the Passion, but it was certainly worth the read.

[Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Characters of the Passion is a brief (72 page) book perfect for reading and reflecting through Lent or Holy Week. It is divided into seven chapters and focuses on the following people - Peter; Judas; Pilate; Herod; Claudia and Herodias; and Barabbas and the Thieves. It concludes with a brief reflection on the Scars of our Lord and how Christ can bring us hope if we but believe He is God and follow Him.

The most interesting chapter to me dealt with Herod, not the Herod who killed all the males of Israel when Jesus was a baby, but Herod's son - the one who had John the Baptist beheaded. We don't think of Herod too much when it comes to the Passion, but he was there. After Jesus is held before Pilate, he is then sent to Herod. Sheen points out that Herod was descended from Esau, makes an interesting comparison between the two, and explains why Herod acts the way he does. He then takes the time to answer one of the great questions of the Passion. Why did Jesus stand silent before Herod? I'd tell you, but you'll have to buy the book and find out.

It's amazing to read a book that is almost sixty years old and have the message still be pertinent to today. Fulton Sheen always seems to accomplish that though. His words prove timeless, because they contain truth, and truth is never timeless. There are a lot more characters that could have been discussed including Mary, Simon of Cyrene, and Joseph of Arimathea, just to name a few. Why they weren't, I do not know. But the fact that they weren't doesn't lessen the book at all. Highly recommended!

[Erik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bishop Sheen is just such a deep, insightful man. He draws deeply spiritual lessons out of such little details in the various scenes of Christ's passion, moving one character at a time. I see much of Romano Guardini's insight in this work, but rather than an overtly theological work, this book reads more like an interpretation of a piece of art. A good spiritual read, especially for Lent.

Notes: https://www.evernote.com/shard/s289/n...

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really broke down the various characters in Christ's passion & related them to personality traits. Bishop Sheen brought these characters to life in a very basic &down to earth level. Easy to relate the traits outlines to our own lives.
REading this during the season ot Lent really brought the Passion closer to my heart & to a personal level.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh, my. This was a small book but had so much in it. Fulton Sheen was a very wise man and he uses few words but makes you understand these people so well. We start out with Peter and there is so much we can learn of what cause Peter to act the way he did. Peter's first mistake was neglecting prayer. I really feel that everyone should read this book.

[larryoguay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Considered as the "Great Communicator" by many. His weekly radio and television shows reached thousands of my generation is now

is now reaching to many of us again and our children. His ability to explain doctrine in every day terms makes Church Doctor of the Christian following. His thoughts are much needed today.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read during Holy Week.

Fulton Sheen takes the drama of the Passion and turns it into pure poetry. Six short but profound chapters make it convenient to read one chapter a day from Palm Sunday to Holy Saturday.

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally understand why folks say he was our best chance at an American pope. Wow!

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite books for Lent.

[Stephen Z. · Rating 5 out of 5]

You would think that this book was written yesterday if it weren't for the references to communism. Amazingly prophetic and informative.