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Ahead of beatification, Bishop Barron reflects on Fulton Sheen’s legacy

July 18, 2026 · 1 min read

As the Church prepares to beatify Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen on Sept. 24 in St. Louis, Bishop Robert Barron said the beloved archbishop’s legacy extends far beyond his groundbreaking media ministry.

In a July 17 interview on “EWTN News In Depth,” Barron said Sheen’s enduring influence was rooted in decades of prayer, intellectual formation, and faithful preaching — a model he said he believes Catholic evangelists need now more than ever.

The Churchʼs recognition follows years of investigation into Sheenʼs life of heroic virtue and the Vaticanʼs approval of a miracle attributed to his intercession. During his priesthood, Sheen became known for proclaiming the Gospel through preaching, writing, radio, and television.

Evangelization built on formation In the “EWTN News In Depth” interview with anchor Catherine Hadro, Barron, of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, said Sheen’s example offers timely lessons for Catholics seeking to evangelize in today’s digital media landscape.

While technology has made it easier than ever for individuals to become online personalities, Barron said authentic evangelization requires much more than a social media platform or podcast.

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Source: Catholic News Agency · Read the full story →

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Serge Martin

I liked what Bishop Barron said about training and the prayer behind it. Sheen wasn't just a good TV speaker, he had spent decades in prayer and study beforehand. It makes me think about what we really put behind our online sharing today.

Соломія Кузьменко

Yes, Sergey, that's exactly what I thought when I read it. Sheen didn't just "perform on TV," he prayed and studied for decades before going on the air. Without it, all of our online communication is as empty as a bottomless bucket. It's good that Barron said it directly.

Cécile Girard

Yes, Serge, that’s exactly what struck me too. We see too many people posting videos or quotes without really digging into the prayer and study behind them. When I prepare my little catechesis for the children at the parish, I always tell myself that if I haven't spent time on my knees before, it won't mean much. Do you talk about it with your friends online or in person?

Eleni Prifti

Yes, Serge, that's exactly what stuck in my mind too – Sheen didn't just appear in front of the camera, he had spent dozens of years praying and studying. When I prepare the Gospel reading for Sunday in our little church, I realize how important it is not to rush. Thanks for pointing this out.

Olimbia Prifti

Yes, Eleni, and I noticed this as I prepared the lesson for the third graders – without those quiet hours in the morning, the sermon comes out dry. Do you have any Sheen books to recommend for us teachers?

Дарина Савченко

Yes, Solomiya, it is precisely decades of prayer that is the key. I also often remember Shin sitting for hours in front of the Holy Gifts before writing another sermon. Have you tried reading his "Peace of Soul"? It helped me a lot during a difficult period.

Claire Bernard

Yes, Cécile, you are absolutely right about catechesis: without time on your knees, the words remain flat. When I prepare my sewing lessons for the mothers in the parish, I do the same, otherwise it lacks life. Do you do this more in the morning or in the evening?

Nathalie Bernard

Yes, Cécile, that’s exactly it: without study and prayer, we end up repeating things that we haven’t really made our own. Me, before rereading a passage from Sheen for the reading group at the parish, I always start with around ten rosaries otherwise I feel that it remains superficial. Which books are you preparing your catechesis with at the moment?