Archbishop Fulton Sheen's Saint Therese: A Treasured Love Story

by Fulton J. Sheen

Now, for the first time, Basilica Press has put into written form Archbishop Sheen's compelling words about the Little Flower. Taken from the still-popular talks he had on Therese in 1973, he opens up for the reader why she is the "greatest saint of modern times." You will treasure this beautiful book. Even those familiar with St. Therese's life will find their eyes opened to many new insights given by the incomparable Archbishop Sheen. Truly a rare and beautiful book to read, to enjoy, to give, to treasure.

Genres: Catholic, Religion, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Faith

208 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2007

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

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, very easily readable book about St Thérèse’s spirituality with perhaps a bit of Archbishop’s Sheen’s own spirituality mixed in. I found it very interesting that Archbishop Sheen was a Third Order Carmelite (and he’s about to become a blessed - a step toward sainthood in the Catholic church). It made me think whether there are other prominent saints who were Third Order Carmelites. Well the prime example is of course St Pope John Paul II, but there were some others. But part of the Carmelite spirituality is humility and hiddenness, so I think it is fitting we don’t know many.

This book was based on a retreat or novena Archbishop Sheen gave to Carmelites on St Thérèse although it was edited a bit in places.

[Samantha B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always a good way to recenter on what matters. Fulton Sheen does an excellent job elucidating St. Therese's life in a sane and non-saccharine way. (Plus, he uses Chesterton's metaphor. So--win!)

I will say, I did skip the chapter on St. Therese's response to the devil, just because that was a bit much last time, but that's just me.

Four stars!

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I read The Story of a Soul for the first time just prior to reading this. It was fine but I did not find myself really connecting with St. Therese.
After reading this book though, I feel I understand her better. Sheen has a fantastic way of writing fans explaining things.
Much of what he wrote is very relevant to our current times.

[Ana Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! You can’t go wrong with teachings by Fulton Sheen, there is so much I still have to learn I’m glad I had the opportunity to read this book.

[Joseph Wetterling · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was edited into a book from live sermons. But other than occasional references to "this book", the tone and style of his talks are maintained. It's impossible to read without hearing it in his voice in your head -- and that's a good thing for the most part.

It might be a bad thing if someone approaches this book expecting one more formal and academic. This is the archbishop at his humorous, humble, storytelling best. It reads far more like a transcript than a book, though with Sheen, you're a getting still getting something organized quite like a good book!

A few corrections by the editors are necessary, especially in light of his cause for canonization and making everything plain. They detracted from my reading a little by casting doubts on the archbishop's memory and teaching, but that is certainly the result of the pedestal I have him on rather than any intention or fault of the editors. He'd be the first to say, I'm sure, that he is human and fallible.

(And as Macbeth is my favorite play, I want to defend his misquote of Lady Macbeth, as well. Lady Macbeth does, of course, talk about washing blood from her hands, including using all the perfumes of Arabia. The archbishop conflated that more memorable reference with the "seas incarnadine" line that her husband delivers earlier in the play.)

Nitpicks aside, I really enjoyed this book, especially the last few chapters. I intend to return to this in the future, as he covers many topics and a readers needs change over time. There will be something new in here for me for many readings, I'm sure.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had more stars to give it! It is a series of talks he gave on a retreat about St. Therese, so it is very conversational and easy to read and comprehend. Sheen had such a gift of wit and wisdom. One can just hear his voice and see his eyes twinkling. He brings joy to the story. This is a great book to pick up and read just a paragraph at a time, as a devotional.

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

my favorite book. i need to re-read it. Fulton Sheen is basically THE MAN.

[Sarah Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a profound and beautiful read! So inspiring! Must read!

[Pamela Fernandes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted this book for my Lenten reading. It has amazed me. There are some beautiful reflections of Sheen on the Little flower. It's rich in gems and deserves to be a slow, simmered read. He says we are pilgrims. On suffering he explains what a gift it is, contrary to what the world teaches. "Give me your human nature so that I can suffer in You. The depth of theology that Sheen expresses is on another level. If you're open to learning then these truths that Sheen explains with Scripture will give you a new perspective. I see why there are calls for Sheen to be a saint. This book is simply wonderful.

[Melannie Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hermosa lectura sobre el gran ejemplo de Santidad de Santa Teresita para nosotros dado por el Arzobispo Fulton Sheen, otro gran ejemplo de Santidad. Amo y aprecio el don de Palabra del Arzobispo y su don de enseñarla y explicarla para que personas como yo podamos entenderla. Todos debemos aspirar a la santidad y este libro es tremendo recurso para hacerlo como nuestro plan de vida. Definitivamente recomendado.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book. I'm a cradle Catholic but know little about my religion. This book explained so many Catholic themes so perfectly through the example of St. Therese that I feel not only more knowledgeable but in love with the Catholic Church. Archbishop Fulton Sheen is a great writer and teacher. The book just flew by.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Archbishop Fulton Sheen was a prolific writer, radio and television personality, as well as a renowned speaker. This book in fact was a compilation of a series of sermons he gave in Dublin to honor a novena to St Therese, the Little Flower. It is a very moving devotional to the very short life of St Therese.

[Bill Breen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST READ for all Catholics!! The genius of Blessed Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen unlocks the theology of St Therese the Little Flower. He shows why this 24 year old cloistered nun, who never traveled anywhere became the Patron Saint of Missions and a Doctor of the Church!!

[Mary Mahoney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very deep, but simply told, and engaging, story of Archbishop Sheen's love and analysis of the life and thought of St. Therese of Lisieux. Refreshingly understandable theology and devotion.

[Sarah O’Donnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can hear Blessed Archbishop Sheen's voice throughout the book. It is very good theologically, but not too complicated to understand.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

everything from sheen i enjoy

[Meg W · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written reflection on the life and spirituality of St. Thérèse and how it may be applied to your everyday life.

[Joseph Tuttle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Some typos and weird formatting but overall good.

[Therese · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was excellent. His plain words bring another dimention to St. Thesese’s spirituality.

[James P.Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Appreciation

A very beautiful read,hopefully I can begin to understand my relationship with God better and begin to make atonement for all of my faults and failings

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bishop Sheen’s introduction to the Little Flower taught me so much and inspired a love for this popular saint about whom I knew so little! Her devotion and tenacity are laudable, her theology is simple yet profound, and her testimony will strengthen even the most lukewarm soul! Sheen’s conversational style and sharp wit make for a fun and easy sermons that are sure to delight. Saint Therese and Venerable Fulton Sheen, pray for us!

[Aeiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this book rather unexpectedly. I had bought it randomly on Amazon as to reach the minimum of $25 needed for free prime shipping. For months this book sat in my closet or desk, untouched. Something told me that I must read this book last night, and this morning I have finished it. I understand why for this book answered questions I sought in regards to my sanctification, and my words will not do justice for this masterpiece. I do suggest that one takes out the 2 to 3 hours needed to read this book out of their day.

[Jennifer]

I am about forty pages into this book and I must say that it is very readable for the busy, distracted mother of many children! I read it everytime I lay down to nurse the baby to bed and it always touches me in some way. I really love Sheen's writings, anyway, and this book, especially is a compilation of talks he gave to a religious order so they are very conversational and easy to read. I'll update my post with more details after I finish it! Meanwhile, I am very much enjoying it!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book as bedtime reading/meditation in fairly short spurts. Lovely way to go to sleep :). Was able to deepen and broaden my appreciation of both St. Therese and Bishop Sheen. Everytime I read about her prayer for the convict Pranzini, I am more amazed and more deeply moved by her great faith in the power of prayer. What an encouragement for each of us to ask for the gift of more and more faith so that we may pray more efficaciously. Love to all, Jackie

[Patrick Costello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ven. Sheen had an obvious love for and devotion to the Little Flower. The beauty of these meditations is the way Sheen takes various pieces of Therese's spirituality and shows how truly she was united to Christ. Personally, these are probably my two most beloved saints so this book was a delight for me. It motivates me to be a saint so someday I can meet these two amazing souls in heaven who have had such an impact on my own life.

Therese and Fulton, pray for us!

[Janet Noonan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An uncanonized saint sharing the wisdom
And little way of a canonized saint - not only does the reader come away with a deeper understanding of St Therese's spirituality but he or she will also partake of Sheens deep love of the Eucharistic Jesus and gain scriptural insight into the virtue of humility and great gifts of sacrifice and mercy.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a fan of Ven. Sheen's writing, but the more I read the more I realize that one need not stray far from Life of Christ and Treasure in Clay to get the meat of his message. this book and Worlds First Love are exceptions to that. As with Life...Ven. Sheen backs up solid theology with Scripture and real life experience. A great choice for mild yet provocative spiritual reading.

[Rose Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book recounts a series of sermons preached by Archbishop Fulton Sheen during a novena in Ireland to St. Therese for the occasion of her 100th anniversary of her birth. Each chapter/sermon focuses on an aspect of Therese's life or virtue such as humility, the way of the child, perseverance, and the power of intercession. Sheen's writing flows with doctrine, spirituality and humor. In his telling of the life of Therese, he confides his own deep devotion to her. A very inspiring book!

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need to get my hands on more of Fulton Sheen's work! His clear and direct style are completely appealing. I feel holier just reading his words!