Archbishop Sheen described as 'kind of saint America needs today'

Published: 2008-02-05

PEORIA, Ill. (CNS) -- Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen was called "the kind of saint America needs today" during Feb. 3 ceremonies closing the diocesan phase of the famed media evangelist's sainthood cause. At the cathedral where he was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Peoria nearly nine decades ago, more than 1,000 people -- including about 60 relatives -- gathered for a Mass of thanksgiving marking the end of five years of preliminary research into Archbishop Sheen's life and virtues. A prolific writer and gifted orator born in nearby El Paso, Ill., Archbishop Sheen eventually left his central Illinois roots and became known nationwide as the host of pioneering radio and television programs, including "The Catholic Hour" and "Life Is Worth Living." The latter was a television series that aired from 1951 to 1957 and attracted an estimated 30 million weekly viewers. Archbishop Sheen received an Emmy Award as television's "Most Outstanding Personality" in 1952.

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