The Wisdom of Fulton Sheen: 365 Days of Inspiration

by Fulton J. Sheen, Matthew Kelly (Introduction by)

Fulton Sheen was one of the greatest communicators to ever live. He is famous for reminding millions of television viewers each week that, "Life is worth living!" and was literally the face of Catholicism in the United States for forty years.

In this beautiful collection of inspiring quotes from Sheen's life and works, we are given a unique glimpse into the heart, mind, and soul of this incredible man. With each turn of the page, it is easy to see why his inspiring and practical messages inspired so many during his lifetime and continue to inspire so many people today.

The Wisdom of Fulton Sheen is a powerful collection of writings that will encourage you to think differently about who you are, how your life is unfolding, what God is calling you to next, and what priorities will lead you to the peace and purpose you desire.

Sooner or later we all rise or fall to the level of our friendships. Invite Fulton Sheen deep into your life, make him one of your trusted friends, and he will elevate many aspects of your life.

Genres: Catholic, Religion, Faith, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Christian, Self Help

124 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2020

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

[Amanda Lauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was put together with one pearl of wisdom from Bishop Fulton Sheen for each day of the year, but I choose to read it in a single sitting. As his television show, Life is Worth Living, started before I was born, I'd never seen it, but the man was ahead of his time using media to relay his/God's message to the world. If only more people would be open to his message in this day and age and would heed his advice. What an incredible man!

[Shannon Myers · Rating 2 out of 5]

The parish where I work gave these books out for free at Christmas, and my boss put one in my mailbox, so that is the only reason I read this. These days I try to stay at least an arm's length away from anything Dynamic Catholic publishes, especially if it has Matthew Kelly's name on it. (He only wrote the intro, but I still felt nauseated after only those five pages. I can't stand him making Catholicism into a self-help method.) Seeing as it's only January, I obviously read this in chunks instead of day by day over the year. It definitely wouldn't have been worth it to spread out over a full year, imho.
Where do I even begin with this disgrace of a book? I love the Venerable Fulton Sheen dearly, so I am quite upset that this book was so shoddily put together and in no way does him justice. This book legitimately feels like a high schooler put it together for a term project the night before it was due. The quotes are painfully random or taken out of context, making some of them difficult to understand, and there was not even an attempt to make them align with the Church's liturgical seasons. (There were plenty of quotes about Christmas, or the Immaculate Conception... but on those actual dates the chosen quotes were irrelevant to the Solemnity. A quote about Lent ended up in November. What? Why?)
There was a typo on just about every other page and sometimes even MULTIPLE typos on the same page! At least two different times the font changes entirely. Some of the quotes are repeated in different places, and some of the long ones are just split up into different days. Literally who edited this??? Also, I have no idea how it is even legal to publish a book of quotes without including ANY sources at all. The copyright page says this: "The quotes in this book have been drawn from dozens of sources. They are assumed to be accurate in their previously published forms. Although every effort has been made to verify the quotes and sources, the Publisher cannot guarantee their perfect accuracy." ??? Well, I want to know where they're from, Mr. Publisher! Some of the quotes seemed sketchy, so I wanted to know their sources. Tried googling them, and no luck. Honestly absurd. I wanted to give this book away because I absolutely cannot keep something of such poor quality on my bookshelf, but I don't want anyone else to be subjected to this. Fulton Sheen doesn't deserve this. Save yourselves and go watch some of his videos on YouTube instead, or read Remade for Happiness. That's a good, short work that will make an impression.
The cover art IS pretty sick, though, and a lot of the quotes did say good stuff, because Fulton Sheen was indeed a wise and holy man. So, two stars. Sorry, Bishop Sheen. Please pray for us.

[Michael Duquaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had only heard about Bishop Fulton Sheen prior to reading this book. I understood that he was very influential and effective in communicating the Catholic faith. I very much appreciated the daily reflections, and found Bishop Fulton Sheen’s words both encouraging and wise. A perfect book for daily inspiration for Catholics or Christians of any denomination, or really any person who desires to become a better person. Few words but heavy in content and value.

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I, too, like others, chose to read this in one sitting. This is an outstanding compilation of many of his writings organized into daily reflections. As did Jesus, Fulton Sheen went to the people using tv! I was just 7 or 8 at this time, so I never saw it, but his wisdom is inspiring to those who gave the opportunity to read this collection.

[Casan Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely daily read

I look forward to reading each day’s passage from this book by Bishop Fulton Sheen. A very nice way to start each morning.

[Lynnette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent collection of quotes, but a few errors slipped through the editing process.

[Derek Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

While maybe not the most perfect or in-depth source of daily reflection, I think this is a worthwhile resource for any Catholic, especially if you have difficulty with making the time for prayer and meditation in your schedule/routine.

CONTENT
I am not really in a position to critique the actual work or wisdom of Archbishop Fulton Sheen, but I can share some thoughts on the curation and editing quality of this book as well as my overall feelings when consuming the daily excerpts. Essentially, what this is is a carefully curated collection of short passages from various speeches and writings produced by Fulton Sheen, presumably from different parts of his life. Some days the reading is a full length paragraph and others it's just a single sentence that's probably no longer than the text of a fortune cookie (I don't say this to be disrespectful, this just seemed like an accurate comparison in terms of word count). For the most part, I found each and every selection to be deeply profound and thought provoking, though there may have been a handful where I could have perhaps used more context around what was being said. Another minor gripe is that it would have been nice if some of the passages were a little more "themed" with Christmas Day in particular being one that I would have liked to see a more feast-day-relevant passage selected (I understand that other holidays, like Easter are a moving target, but some seemed reasonable to form a selection around). For me, as someone who has really struggled to prioritize my spiritual life in the way I should, I think this offered a perfect opportunity to try to be a bit more intentional and consistent with daily reflection. If you find yourself in a similar boat, then I think you absolutely need to pick this up since it offers a lot of mileage for a very small amount of commitment (and may help you form the habits you desire). There are certainly similar types of books that offer longer readings, but I found that this one really did more with less in some cases and could easily be worked into your routine even if you are already an avid reader of other religious materials and/or have an established prayer routine.

PAPERBACK QUALITY
Everything about this little paperback is just nice. The size is nice, the fonts and formatting are easy to read, the cover is so simple, yet so pleasing to the eye, and I found that it held up perfectly well in spite of the fact that I opened and closed it for the better part of a year straight.

CONCLUSION
I found myself quite pleased with my reading experience (and the subsequent reflections that this book offered me each day). I won't immediately restart this in the new year, but I do think that I will re-consume this at some point and I hope that my time with this book will have helped me form some good habits to continue reading religious books and praying more each day.

(+) Very short, yet impactful passages that are great for daily reflection
(+) Super low commitment and easy to work into any schedule or spiritual routine
(+) A nicely packaged paperback

[Jim Gallen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Wisdom of Fulton Sheen” is a collection of writings and sayings for each day of ther year from one of the first televangelists. I read it as suggested, an entry a day over the year. Some focus on God, “I wonder maybe if our Lord does not suffer more from our indifference, than he did from the crucifixion”. Others call us to introspection, “When our conscience bothers us, whether we admit it or not, we often try to justify it by correcting others or by finding fault in them.”

My favorite is a comment on our society, that, in my opinion, still rings true today. “America, it is said, is suffering from intolerance-it is not. It is suffering from tolerance. Tolerance of right and wrong, truth and error, virtue and evil, Christ and chaos. Our country is not nearly so overrun with the bigoted as it is overrun with the broadminded.”

Tolle Lege, pick up and read. Whether at one setting or throughout the year, savor the gems of wisdom from Venerable Servant of God Fulton J. Sheen.

[Terry Koressel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an inspirational book! I am a better person after reading the beautiful wisdom of a truly good man. With a World in social, cultural and political disarray, The Wisdom of Fulton Sheen is a calming, guiding, moral compass for Catholics. I am old enough to remember my parents watching Fulton Sheen on television in the mid- to late-60's. As a child, I didn't pay any attention....I wish I had. Archbishop Sheen is a brilliant speaker, a keen protector of high moral standards and humorous (as an added bonus). The Wisdom of Fulton Sheen is a collection of his best excerpts over the breadth of his television career. It is a book written by a deeply religious person, but his wisdom will benefit every person who has the opportunity to read. I highly recommend.

[Peter Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading some of the wisdom of Fulton Sheen and have a number of the quotes highlighted so that I can reference them in the future. However, the format of the book I find to be lacking. It would certainly not be worth reading over the course of the year, presented as it is with one quote for each day. Finding 365 worthwhile quotes of any person is perhaps an impossible task but the wisdom of Fulton Sheen could still be presented in an accessible way without diluting it to serve the format. How it is, about one quote in twenty is memorable and most of the others lack context and are not clever quips at all.

[Keisha Kaelin · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the content of Fulton Sheen’s writings deserves 5 stars, the format of this book is the reason for my 3 star review. It’s meant to be read daily and I chose to read straight through. Perhaps that affects my rating. Some entries repeat, at times just in longer passages. There isn’t any obvious organization to the entries. I feel it would have been more effective if topics were grouped somewhat together. Again, maybe that was due to me reading straight through instead of on a daily basis.

[Janet Ames · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book ten stars, I would. I remember watching Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s tv show at my babysitter’s house when I was a child. I thought he was mystical and wonderful even back then.
Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s reflections in this book are timeless. His words and wisdom are inspirational just as much today as they were back then. Oh how our world could benefit from another such Archbishop!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know who Fulton Sheen was before I read this and the only reason I did read it is because it was a gift from my church for Easter the year before. But I’m so thankful they chose this one to give. I thoroughly enjoyed adding this to my devotionals every week and reading a few passages, highlighting the ones I found most moving or applicable to my life. I highly recommend this to all Christians.

[Heidi Huus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have deep respect for Archbishop Fulton Sheen. He’s brilliant, deep, and thought provoking.
This book provided a daily passage, and there were many of his readings that I would just try to soak up his words.
Sheen died in 1979, but many of his thoughts reflect on the current state of the world which helps me realize that every decade/generation has its troubles and fears. But God has always been in control!

[Rachel Manley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fulton Sheen is amazing, as is all of his material, but this book seems like it was thrown together in one night. There are many typos, random font changes, and no real themes month to month. Some of the quotes really needed context to get their full meaning. It's sort of a big let down by Dynamic Catholic.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

As many other reviewers I read this book in one sitting but will now re-read it day by day as it was meant to be read. Fulton Sheen is prolific and inspirational in both his words and his writing. However this book although thought provoking in parts does not capture the true "wisdom of Fulton Sheen".

[Jenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book presents quotes from Fulton Sheen as some form of a devotional, with one quote for each day. I think the reader (at least myself) would be better off with a different devotional or a book actually written by Fulton Sheen and/or some of his original video content. The daily quotes are so short, and there is hardly any substance to them.

[Samantha R · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved having a year with Fulton Sheen. I think he was a great man and the best of Catholics. He brought the love of Christ to so many through his writing and his sermons and especially his tv show. We need more men like him, not only in the world but specifically in the Church, and I can not wait for the day he is canonized a Saint. Reading this was an absolute joy.

[Pete Reinagel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so hopeful about gaining some spiritual inspiration from this book because I vaguely recall watching Bishop Sheen on TV as a young kid. Somehow, his words in this book seemed cryptic to me. He's quite an impressive priest and leader but his words didn't register with me. I hope others get more from this collection.

[Judine Brey · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I enjoyed the daily quotations by Fulton Sheen (one of my personal heroes), I thought some of them were a bit long. I think the organization of the month by month reflections with daily quotations could be better. Starting each month with a slightly longer Sheen passage in order to establish a monthly theme would improve readability by ensuring each daily quotation was short and pithy.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Archbishop Fulton Sheen's wisdom can be read in one sitting or savored one quote a day. It provides food for thought and is pertinent to today's world. I was motivated by the introduction to view videos of Sheen's television program.

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a disappointment. I was looking forward to reading a full page of wisdom from Fulton Sheen every day. There are only one or two sentences on each page! Now I will find an actual book by Fulton Sheen.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Wisdom of Fulton Sheen" is a great daily reader. Each day you get a snippet of wisdom from Archbishop Fulton Sheen. What an interesting man he was! His words strike right where they need to - in your heart and mind. This book is a wonderful way to start each day with a cup of coffee.

[Kristine Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

These short writing of Archbishop Fulton Sheen of the Diocese of New York (1895-1979) are set up to be read as a passage each day of the year. The writings are thought-provoking and inspirational and still translate well in today's world.

[Cristian Marrero · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice devotional read. A collection from many of his podcasts and shows from Relevant Radio and other TV publications. A nice read. Very hard truths and gentle reminders of life. Remaining a catholic and the doing what is right above all else.

[Stanley Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several of Fulton Sheen’s books and have been thoroughly delighted in the reading, so I gave this devotional a read. Excellent book, numerous highlights and comments throughout the year, highly recommended…SLT

[Dorothy Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

A wise man Bishop Fulton Sheen was. He was amazing on TV and his words of wisdom in this book are well worth reading.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very repetitive.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent nuggets of wisdom to chew on. I would rather read his writings in whole than little nuggets everyday.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved his quotes