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Blessed Fulton J. Sheen and the Knights of Peter Claver: Encounters in Faith and History

Photographs and archival accounts trace newly beatified Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen’s longstanding connection with the Knights of Peter Claver.

Few figures loom as large in the history of twentieth-century American Catholicism as Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen (1895-1979), who was recently beatified on September 24, earning the title “Blessed.” A gifted theologian, preacher, author, and pioneering religious broadcaster, Sheen brought Catholic teaching into millions of American homes through radio and television, becoming one of the most recognizable voices of his generation. It is hard to believe that from 1952 to 1957 and again from 1961 to 1968, Archbishop Sheen occupied a primetime television spot. With no prop other than a chalkboard and wearing a bishop’s house cassock and purple ferraiolo, at his height, Bishop Sheen drew 30 million viewers. In 1953, he won an Emmy for his program “Life is Worth Living.” In his acceptance speech, he famously thanked his writers: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

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With 66 seminarians in formation, Archdiocese of Baltimore sees vocations surge

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The Archdiocese of Baltimore is preparing for a milestone not seen in more than half a century: the ordination of 12 new priests in a single year.

One seminarian is expected to be ordained in January and 11 more in June, as the archdiocese’s number of men in priestly formation continues to climb.

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Baton Rouge Faithful Make Pilgrimage to Archbishop Sheen Beatification

by Debbie Shelley | The Roman Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge

Blessed Fulton J. Sheen is now one verified miracle away from being canonized an American saint after the celebration of his beatification on Sept. 24 at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis.

A multitude of colors  illuminated the dome as people of various countries assembled for the beatification Mass.

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Tolton: From Slave to Priest Coming to Manchester

A special screening of Tolton: From Slave to Priest will be held Tuesday, October 6, at 7 p.m. at Parkade Cinema in Manchester.

The new film from Saint Luke Productions tells the remarkable story of Venerable Augustus Tolton, who was born into slavery and overcame extraordinary racial barriers to become America’s first Black Catholic priest.

Unable to enter a seminary in the United States because of his race, Tolton eventually traveled to Rome, where he studied for the priesthood and was ordained in 1886. Returning to the United States, he devoted his priesthood to serving people of all races despite the prejudice and opposition he encountered.

His life is a powerful witness to faith, perseverance and the dignity of every person. Pope Francis declared Father Tolton Venerable in 2019, recognizing that he lived a life of heroic virtue.