The 1976 Serran Convention in Chicago held a wonderful visit from Fulton Sheen. Review the pdf attached for details of his beautiful words of encouragement and mission to our St Serra Apostolate resonating still – 50 years later!
Fulton Sheen’s Brief Biography for the publication in 1976:
Titular Archbishop of Newport, Wales,former Bishop of Rochester, N.Y., Archbishop Sheen is a world-famous author ad TV personality, past National Director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, former Professor of Philosophy.
Excerpt from article:
In the great crises of the Church, when the general teaching was weak, it was the laity that saved the Church. The Teaching Church today is not in the condition it was at the tie of the Council of Constantinople, nor as it was during the Reformation in England. But the laity must come forward, and recognize their potential as saviors of the Church as they have done in the past. This is your role.
May I give you specific recommendations as Serrans? You have always been helpful to the bishop in supporting his seminary. You have given financial aid, and the seminary does need aid, for it is a very expensive proposition. You are to be commended for the financial help you have given. But you are not just sheep to be sheared. It is good of you to give your whole but you have another mission.
Some Suggestions for Serrans from Fulton Sheen:
• Strive to become members of a board of consultants to the seminary.
Encourage Spirituality.
• Help improve the priesthood in your diocese.
Pray for their ministry.
• Work with priests who have left the ministry.
Pray for their return.
• more . . .
Read the article written by Archbishop Fulton Sheen in 1976 that appeared in the Serran Conference summary publication. His words are as true today as they were 50 years ago.
Download the pdf here:
The Faith-Full Life, by Archbishop Fulton Sheen
. . . I am going to talk about the world in which we live, the impact the Church is making on it, and the role of laity in the history of the Church, and finally your own role. . . .