This week in Christian history: influential bishop born, Martin Luther protector dies, Arminius

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, May 03, 2020

Fulton J. Sheen born - May 8, 1895

Roman Catholic Archbishop Fulton Sheen (1895-1979), a Catholic leader known for often hosting the radio program 'The Catholic Hour.' — Roman Catholic Archbishop Fulton Sheen (1895-1979), a Catholic leader known for often hosting the radio program "The Catholic Hour." | Wikimedia Commons

This week marks the anniversary of when Fulton John Sheen, a prominent Roman Catholic archbishop known for his radio and television broadcasts, was born in El Paso, Illinois.

Ordained in 1919 and made a bishop in 1966, Sheen was known for his popular radio broadcast “The Catholic Hour” and his widely-watched television program, “Life is Worth Living.”

Sheen also oversaw mass for one of the first televised church services in the United States, airing on NBC station W2XBS on Easter Sunday, 1940.

“His contributions to the Catholic Church are numerous and varied, ranging from educating in classrooms, churches, and homes, to preaching over a nationally publicized radio show, and two television programs, as well as penning over 50 written works,” noted a website dedicated to Sheen.

“His timeless messages continue to have great relevance today. He inspires each of us to live a God-centered life with the joy and love that God intended.”