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Calvary and the Mass: A Missal Companion
Our Lord on the Cross saw in His eternal mind, the whole drama of history, the story of each individual soul, and how later on it would react to His Crucifixion; but though He saw all, we could not know how we would react to the Cross until we were unrolled upon the screen of time. We were not conscious of being present there on Calvary that day, but He was conscious of our presence. That is why Calvary is actual; why the Cross is the Crisis; why in a certain sense the scars are still open; why Pain still stands deified, and why blood like falling stars is still dropping upon our souls. There is no escaping the Cross not even by denying it as the Pharisees did; not even by selling Christ as Judas did; not even by crucifying Him as the executioners did. We all see it, either to embrace it in salvation, or to fly from it into misery. But how it is made visible? Where shall we find Calvary perpetuated? We shall find Calvary renewed, re-enacted, represented in the Mass. Calvary is one with the Mass, and the Mass is one with Calvary, for in both there is the same Priest and Victim.
60 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
62 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
About the author
Fulton J. Sheen
577 books756 followersFulton 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".
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".
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 24, 2017
One could ask: what kind of value I can find in such a small, thin book? But if you want to read something religious this (or any other) Sunday, choose "Calvary and the Mass. This book is a perfect mix of good explanation of the Mass (what really happens there), real faith and love, examples from our life and touch of poetry. This book is a genuine tribute to incredible mystery of Calvary, Mass, salvation and Love of Our Lord. No doubt I'll reread it soon.
Można zapytać: "Co wartościowego można zmieścić w książeczce mającej 94 strony i format A6?!" Tymczasem jeśli macie coś przeczytać w niedzielę, dzień święty dla katolików, dzień, w którym idziemy na Mszę Św., niech to będzie właśnie książka Abp. Fultona Sheena. Niezwykle dobitna w przekazie, czerpiąca z przykładów z życia a przy tym poruszająca i pełna ognia prawdziwej wiary i miłości. Na pewno będę wracać do niej niejednokrotnie.
Można zapytać: "Co wartościowego można zmieścić w książeczce mającej 94 strony i format A6?!" Tymczasem jeśli macie coś przeczytać w niedzielę, dzień święty dla katolików, dzień, w którym idziemy na Mszę Św., niech to będzie właśnie książka Abp. Fultona Sheena. Niezwykle dobitna w przekazie, czerpiąca z przykładów z życia a przy tym poruszająca i pełna ognia prawdziwej wiary i miłości. Na pewno będę wracać do niej niejednokrotnie.
December 17, 2019
“There is nothing more tragic in all the world than wasted pain.” What a beautiful little book, filled with depth in simple language! I will be returning to this one for sure.
March 13, 2015
HEAVY MATERIAL
This short book is full of information and ideas about the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Whether you are a lifelong Catholic or a fledgling in the faith, you will find many statements that will cause you to think and ponder anew. This is not lite reading, but it shines a bright light on the Catholic theology.
This short book is full of information and ideas about the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Whether you are a lifelong Catholic or a fledgling in the faith, you will find many statements that will cause you to think and ponder anew. This is not lite reading, but it shines a bright light on the Catholic theology.
April 7, 2015
Perfect Holy Week meditation
There were many nuggets of wisdom and understanding in this little book. My one regret is that I didn't use this for a Lenten reflection/challenge....but there is next Lent!
There were many nuggets of wisdom and understanding in this little book. My one regret is that I didn't use this for a Lenten reflection/challenge....but there is next Lent!
April 16, 2019
Dobra książka na Wielki Tydzień. Rozważania osnute o Siedem Ostatnich Słów Chrystusa na krzyżu, odniesione wprost do Eucharystii. Coś mocnego.
Po blisko 11 latach od święceń czytałem tę książkę, i choć sprawuje Eucharystię każdego dnia, uczyłem się spoglądać na nią na nowo.
Po blisko 11 latach od święceń czytałem tę książkę, i choć sprawuje Eucharystię każdego dnia, uczyłem się spoglądać na nią na nowo.
May 16, 2019
A wonderful short read from Fulton Sheen. While it is especially good to revisit in Lent, it can be fruitfully read anytime during the year.
"It is this St. Paul means when he says that we should fill up those things that are wanting to the sufferings of Christ...He therefore can suffer no more in His human nature but He can suffer more in our human natures." (p. 24)
"The second condition of becoming a host in the offertory of the Mass is faith. The thief looked above the head of our Blessed Lord and saw a sign which read: "KING." Queer king that! For a crown: thorns. For royal purple: His own blood. For a throne: a Cross. For courtiers: executioners. For a coronation: a Crucifixion. And yet beneath all that dross the thief saw the gold; amidst all those blasphemies, he prayed." (p. 28)
"On the Cross our Blessed Lord was looking forward to you, hoping that one day you would be giving yourself to Him at the moment of Consecration." (p. 42)
"We give Him our time; He gives us His eternity. We give Him our humanity; He gives us His divinity. We give Him our nothingness; He gives us His all." (p. 49)
"Death interrupted the careers of great men, but it was no interruption to our Lord; it was His crowning glory; it was the unique goal He was seeking." (p. 54)
"A finished life is not measured by years but by deeds; not by the time spent in the vineyard, but by the work done." (p. 55)
"He is still on the Cross, still saying the Confiteor with us, still forgiving us, still commending us to Mary, still thirsting for us, still drawing us unto the Father, for as long as sin remains on earth, still will the Cross remain." (p. 65)
***the page citations are from the 2012 reprint of the original 1936 edition, so the pagination will be different. I estimate if you roughly double the page number you will be close to the citation in the original.***
"It is this St. Paul means when he says that we should fill up those things that are wanting to the sufferings of Christ...He therefore can suffer no more in His human nature but He can suffer more in our human natures." (p. 24)
"The second condition of becoming a host in the offertory of the Mass is faith. The thief looked above the head of our Blessed Lord and saw a sign which read: "KING." Queer king that! For a crown: thorns. For royal purple: His own blood. For a throne: a Cross. For courtiers: executioners. For a coronation: a Crucifixion. And yet beneath all that dross the thief saw the gold; amidst all those blasphemies, he prayed." (p. 28)
"On the Cross our Blessed Lord was looking forward to you, hoping that one day you would be giving yourself to Him at the moment of Consecration." (p. 42)
"We give Him our time; He gives us His eternity. We give Him our humanity; He gives us His divinity. We give Him our nothingness; He gives us His all." (p. 49)
"Death interrupted the careers of great men, but it was no interruption to our Lord; it was His crowning glory; it was the unique goal He was seeking." (p. 54)
"A finished life is not measured by years but by deeds; not by the time spent in the vineyard, but by the work done." (p. 55)
"He is still on the Cross, still saying the Confiteor with us, still forgiving us, still commending us to Mary, still thirsting for us, still drawing us unto the Father, for as long as sin remains on earth, still will the Cross remain." (p. 65)
***the page citations are from the 2012 reprint of the original 1936 edition, so the pagination will be different. I estimate if you roughly double the page number you will be close to the citation in the original.***
May 20, 2020
This short treasure connects the Seven Last Words of Jesus on the Cross to parts of the Mass. Deeply insightful and profound. While the Mass is so often misunderstood in our day, ‘Calvary and the Mass’ remains a timeless reflection that is sure to draw all serious readers deeper into the mystery of the unity of the single Sacrifice of the Cross and the Mass.
July 1, 2021
Primeiro livro que leio de Dom Fulton Sheen, mas fiquei impressionado pela profundidade dos seus relatos sobre o sacrifício da Santa Missa, onde ele divide em 7 partes sua análise, mesmo que atualmente o rito ordinário da missa já não seja igual ao da época o qual foi escrito o livro, mas esse pequeno detalhe não atrapalha em nada sua reflexão.
Fiquei impressionado!
Fiquei impressionado!
August 28, 2024
É um livro que impacta desde o prólogo.
Forte, informativo, e faz uma reflexão bem bonita, séria, profunda acerca da missa, traçando um paralelo com o calvário de Cristo.
Fulton Sheen escreve com enorme profundidade e clareza.
Forte, informativo, e faz uma reflexão bem bonita, séria, profunda acerca da missa, traçando um paralelo com o calvário de Cristo.
Fulton Sheen escreve com enorme profundidade e clareza.
January 28, 2026
Ven. Sheen provides a very interesting interpretation of the actions and materials of the liturgy. I partially liked it when he mentions that the small hosts in the ciborium symbolically represent us.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2020
Deep and truly consoling
June 17, 2020
Livro fantástico. Daqueles para reler inúmeras vezes. Cada frase é extremamente profunda. Ao mesmo tempo, muito prático! Leitura super indicada àqueles que querem melhorar a vivência na Santa Missa!
May 5, 2022
Meditative Reading
I read this during Lent and as usual Fulton Sheen did not disappoint. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to take a meditative look at the Mass.
I read this during Lent and as usual Fulton Sheen did not disappoint. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to take a meditative look at the Mass.
November 19, 2024
This book is life-changing. It is eloquently written meditations on the Passion of Christ in context of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. I will re-read again and again. Highly recommend.
March 11, 2026
One of the best books on the Mass that I have ever read. Well worth the read!
August 18, 2025
“Everyone else, who was ever born into the world, came into it to live; our Lord came into it to die.”
(p.4)
(p.4)
February 8, 2023
The most beautiful meditation on the meaning of the Mass I've ever encountered. God blessed Fulton Sheen with the talent for words and his love for Christ is contagious. He goes deep, but he keeps it in a simple language, like Christ used to speak to the people.
I finished listening to the audiobook and I feel so thankful for taking part in the sacrifice of the Mass, and to choose everyday to be part of the body of Christ. If more Christians understood how deep and how perfect the Mass is, they would never stop attending it.
I finished listening to the audiobook and I feel so thankful for taking part in the sacrifice of the Mass, and to choose everyday to be part of the body of Christ. If more Christians understood how deep and how perfect the Mass is, they would never stop attending it.
February 11, 2025
READ IT !!!! Soo freaking good. Another book that played a big part in my conversion. Archbishop Sheen is so eloquent, and so thoughtful with his words. Beautiful beautiful book, and very short. (Took me like 6 months to finish tho bc his explanation of the Mass was so thought provoking, & I was scared that it was true) (it was lol) READ IT !!
July 1, 2024
** I love this book. Almost all of it was presented in a way I've never heard or thought about before. Beautiful considerations and I am going to make a sincere effort to think about this every time I am at Mass from now on.
January 3, 2014
A vitally important book to comprehending the Mass by a severely under-catechized generation of Catholics (and non-Catholics.)
April 20, 2022
Sheen takes the last seven words of Christ and explains how the words are related to parts of the mass.
March 21, 2023
Um livro indispensável para quem deseja compreender o que acontece na Santa Missa. Muito profundo.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews