Bishop Fulton Sheen Remastered

In the final talk of the Dublin retreat, Archbishop Fulton Sheen shares a poignant reflection on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, connecting it deeply to the priesthood. He begins with an Old Testament perspective, illustrating the singular significance of Christ's sacrifice and the unique role it plays in salvation history. Sheen explores the relationship between the shedding of Christ's blood and the rending of the temple veil, symbolizing the opening of the Holy of Holies to all. This pivotal moment, he asserts, reveals the profound mystery and accessibility of God's grace through Christ's pierced heart. Emphasizing the importance of the daily Holy Hour, Sheen invites priests to find solace and strength in the Sacred Heart, which he describes as the ultimate manifestation of Christ's love. The talk culminates in a call to priests to embrace this devotion, seeing it as a means to combat evil and grow closer to Christ. Sheen's message underscores the significance of the Sacred Heart in a priest's spiritual life, positioning it as a beacon of hope, a source of renewal, and a testament to the boundless love of Christ for humanity.

In his 15th address at the Dublin retreat, Archbishop Fulton Sheen explores the evolving landscape of moral theology and the apparent dichotomy within the Church. He observes a shift from individual virtue to social justice, leading to a perceived split between churches focused on evangelization and those emphasizing development. Sheen draws from the Transfiguration narrative to illustrate the need for balance between spiritual ecstasy and social involvement. He argues against the compartmentalization of the Church into one solely concerned with contemplation and another with political action, advocating for a unified approach that begins with spiritual grounding and extends to worldly engagement. Sheen emphasizes the importance of the Holy Hour in fortifying priests for social challenges, underscoring the necessity of internal strength to face external struggles effectively. His message to the clergy is clear: the dual role of a priest involves nurturing a deep connection with Christ through contemplation, which in turn empowers effective action in addressing social issues. This holistic approach, Sheen suggests, is the key to being true representatives of Christ in a world that needs both spiritual guidance and social reform.

In his 14th talk at the Dublin retreat, Archbishop Fulton Sheen delves into the profound nature of the priesthood, emphasizing the gift of celibacy. He reflects on the humbleness of priests, akin to 'pots of earth and ware,' chosen not for what they are but for what they might become through God's power. Sheen draws inspiration from St. Paul and biblical figures, illustrating how ordinary men were transformed into apostles. The talk pivots to celibacy, described as a divine gift rather than a mere obligation, highlighting the importance of this commitment in the priestly life. Sheen elucidates the theological basis for celibacy, connecting it to the biblical theme of nuptials, from the union of man and woman in Eden to the spiritual marriage of Christ and the Church. He argues that the focus on celibacy is not about monopoly or gender, but about symbolizing Christ's relationship with the Church. Sheen acknowledges the tensions celibacy can create, both in maintaining it and in the consequences of failing to do so. He underscores the transformative power of sacrificial love (agape) over erotic love (Eros), advocating for a life centered around the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This message to the clergy is a call to embrace the gift of celibacy wholeheartedly, recognizing it as an integral part of their spiritual journey and a testament to their devotion to God's will.

Archbishop Fulton Sheen's 13th address in the 1977 Dublin retreat focuses on the nature and challenges of the Church, likening its current state to the Church in the wilderness. He speaks about the Church as the Corpus Christi, manifesting in three forms: the physical body of Christ, the community of believers, and the Holy Eucharist. Sheen acknowledges the Church's visible and invisible aspects, emphasizing that despite scandals and weaknesses, it remains a holy and divinely inspired institution. He compares the Church to a hospital and Noah's Ark, carrying both purity and imperfection yet leading towards salvation. The Archbishop underscores the importance of unity with the Pope, reflecting on his personal experiences with various Pontiffs and their embodiment of Christ's vicar. He stresses the significance of understanding the Church's trials and tribulations through the lens of the cross and Christ's sacrifice. Sheen's message to the clergy highlights the need for unwavering faith and devotion to the Church, especially in times of internal strife and external challenges, reaffirming the Church as a guiding force against worldly corruption.

In his 12th talk of the 1977 Dublin retreat, Archbishop Fulton Sheen delves into the roles of counseling and preaching within the priesthood. He emphasizes the Holy Spirit's critical role in counseling, cautioning against over-reliance on psychology while underscoring the necessity of integrating Christ and the gospel into guidance. Sheen advises priests to be concise and focused on decision-making in counseling sessions, highlighting the importance of praying with those seeking counsel. For preaching, he stresses the need for ongoing education and preparation, particularly in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Sheen encourages personal reflection on Scripture and warns against merely reading sermons, advocating for preaching that is heartfelt and Christ-centered. His message to the clergy is clear: effective counseling and preaching require a deep connection with the Holy Spirit and a commitment to conveying Christ's teachings authentically.

Archbishop Fulton Sheen, in his 1977 Dublin retreat, addresses the evolving respect and perception of priests in contemporary society. He emphasizes the importance of genuinely reflecting Christ's image, noting the decreasing automatic reverence for clergy and the increasing need for authenticity. Sheen discusses the challenges faced by the church and the necessity for priests to internalize spiritual virtues rather than rely on external displays. He underscores the power of personal holiness and the impact of Christ's presence within priests, using examples like Mother Teresa and Pope John XXIII to illustrate how true sanctity can profoundly influence others. The message is clear: in a world less inclined to respect the institutional church, the individual priest’s ability to authentically embody Christ is crucial for casting the right shadows - those of healing, goodness, and faith.

In this segment of the Dublin retreat, Archbishop Fulton Sheen explores the profound role of the Holy Spirit in the Trinity, the Church, and the lives of individual priests. He discusses the distinction between the gift of the Holy Spirit, which makes individuals pleasing to God, and the charisms that enable them to serve others. Archbishop Sheen reflects on the challenges within the Church, emphasizing the need for balanced leadership and the cultivation of the Spirit of Christ. He encourages priests to make the Holy Hour for a deeper connection with the Holy Spirit.

Archbishop Fulton Sheen emphasizes the significance of the Holy Eucharist in a priest's life during the Mass. He stresses the need for preparation and recommends incorporating brief morning homilies or Scripture commentaries. The sacrificial nature of the priesthood is highlighted, with the consecration renewing Christ's sacrifice on Calvary. The separate consecration of bread and wine symbolizes Christ's disjunction on the cross. The Lamb of God motif is explored, and the breaking of the bread signifies Christ's broken life. Communion is likened to the union of spouses. The communal aspect of the Eucharist is linked to service and charity, emphasizing the responsibility of priests to the poor. The kiss of peace underscores the Church's communal role. Archbishop Sheen encourages acts of charity during the Eucharistic celebration, making it a complete service to humanity.

In his eighth talk at the Dublin retreat, Archbishop Fulton Sheen reflects on the profound role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the life of the Church and in the hearts of the faithful. He shares a moving memory of a hymn sung to the Blessed Mother, illustrating the deep love and reverence monks had for her. Sheen explores the theme of responsibility and accountability, highlighting how the cross of Christ represents the end of passing blame and the acceptance of divine love and sacrifice. He delves into the relationship between Jesus and Mary, emphasizing Mary's journey of compassion parallel to Christ's passion. Sheen interprets key biblical moments, including the Annunciation, the finding in the Temple, and the marriage at Cana, to illustrate Mary's deepening understanding of her son's mission and her role in salvation history. He describes the crucifixion as a nuptial between the New Adam (Christ) and the New Eve (Mary), symbolizing the birth of the Church. Sheen's portrayal of Mary as the Mother of the Church emphasizes her central role in Christian spirituality, inviting priests to embrace her as their spiritual mother. He concludes by underscoring the importance of the Blessed Mother in the Church and the individual spiritual life, highlighting her as a figure of liberation and divine motherhood.

In his seventh talk during the Dublin retreat, Archbishop Fulton Sheen meditates on the crucifixion and the profound symbolism of the cross. He begins by discussing the world's relationship with symbols and the difficulty of embracing the cross, regarded as a symbol of contradiction. Sheen reflects on the historical avoidance of the cross's imagery during times of Church decline, emphasizing its central role in understanding Christ's message. The talk then delves into the crucifixion scene, with Sheen highlighting the reactions of those present, ranging from apathy and antipathy to empathy. He eloquently describes the cross as uniting both friends and foes of Christ, foreseeing a future where the cross would be a symbol of division in the world. Sheen elaborates on the first words spoken by Christ on the cross, "Father, forgive them," linking the act of forgiveness to the shedding of blood and the remission of sins. He explores the theological significance of this moment, drawing connections to Old Testament sacrifices and the culmination of Christ's sacrifice as the ultimate atonement. The talk further examines the dynamic between Jesus and the two thieves crucified alongside him, representing the ultimate judgment and the choice between rejection and acceptance of Christ's salvation. Sheen concludes by contemplating the relationship between Jesus and his mother, Mary, at the foot of the cross, portraying it as a nuptial between the New Adam and the New Eve, symbolizing the birth of the Church. This profound reflection positions the cross not only as a sign of Christ's suffering but also as a beacon of hope and salvation, inviting the clergy to find strength and purpose in its message.

In this session, Archbishop Fulton Sheen emphasizes the declining love of the Eucharist among priests and society. He introduces the idea of the daily holy hour in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament as a concrete solution. Sheen argues that this practice, rooted in biblical references, helps combat evil, make intercession, and contributes to personal and spiritual growth. He challenges priests to prioritize this daily hour, stating that it aligns with Christ's request for companionship in the Garden of Gethsemane. The Archbishop asserts that priests are not merely ministers but are engaged in a deeper mission of saving and reconciling.

In this session, Archbishop Fulton Sheen explores the theology of serving society rooted in Christ. He begins with a prayer, asking for guidance in understanding the mission to society as ambassadors of Christ. Sheen emphasizes the need for a theology of serving society, pointing out that while there is plenty of philosophy and sociology, understanding the mission in Christ is crucial. The Archbishop then delves into the nature of Christ, focusing on the fact that Christ had no human person, only the divine person. This lack of human personhood allows Christ to incorporate all of humanity and their experiences. Sheen highlights the importance of understanding the mission to society rooted in Christ rather than mere philosophy or sociology. The concept of harmonization is introduced, suggesting that Christ, through his life experiences, took into his humanity all human tragedy. Sheen goes on to discuss how Christ harmonized infancy, youth, labor, and universalized all humanity, including Gentiles. The Archbishop concludes by drawing practical conclusions from the incarnation. The first conclusion is vulnerability – the idea that priests, as ambassadors of Christ, need to be sensitive and open to the wounds and pains of humanity. The second conclusion is the centrality of the Eucharist, which becomes the foundation for the love of neighbor, especially when dealing with the physical needs of others. Sheen encourages a unified theology of Christ and social work, arguing against divisions in the Church and presenting vulnerability and the Eucharist as essential components of serving society.

In the fourth session of the Dublin retreat, Archbishop Fulton Sheen explores the theme of liberation in the context of the priesthood, emphasizing the role of priests as instruments of Christ's mission. He introduces the session with a prayer, invoking the Holy Spirit for understanding the priestly mission of liberation rooted in Christ's passion, death, and resurrection. Sheen begins by discussing the interconnectedness of demonology and eschatology, highlighting the spiritual battle against the forces of evil. He explains the cosmic disruption caused by sin and the consequent disorder in the world. Sheen delves into the concept of Christ as the liberator, who came to undo the devil's work by overcoming the disordered elements of the cosmos and humanity. This liberation is evident in Jesus' miracles, mastery over nature, and ultimate triumph over death. Sheen then addresses the profound question of why Christ did not immediately restore the cosmos, suggesting that creation awaits the liberation of God's children. He cites St. Paul's epistle to the Romans, which speaks of creation groaning for redemption. The discussion transitions to the cross as the climax of Christ's battle against evil. Sheen reflects on the different reactions of those present at the crucifixion – apathy, antipathy, and empathy – and the significance of Christ's words, "Father, forgive them." He explains the role of bloodshed in the remission of sins and the importance of the cross as a symbol of victory over Satan. Sheen concludes by emphasizing the paradoxical nature of Christian liberation: true freedom and effectiveness in liberating souls come through being slaves of Christ. He describes the Roman triumphant procession and compares priests to captives in Christ's triumphal procession, spreading the fragrance of Christ's knowledge. The session ends with Sheen underscoring the solemn responsibility and profound calling of priests as members of Christ in this spiritual battle.

In this insightful session, Archbishop Fulton Sheen explores the fundamental virtue required for priests acting in persona Christi: obedience. Contrasting the popularity of poverty and chastity with the seemingly overlooked obedience, Sheen delves into its critical role in the priestly life. Drawing parallels between the earthly father and the divine Father, he examines the suffering involved in obedience. Through the lens of Christ's life, Sheen unravels how obedience generates faith and becomes the conduit for the increase of the Holy Spirit. The priest, as an ambassador of Christ, is challenged to embrace true obedience, a key to a profound union with the divine.

Archbishop Fulton Sheen, in the second session of the Dublin Retreat, addresses a pivotal misunderstanding arising from the Second Vatican Council regarding the priesthood. Diving into the Council's emphasis on priests as visible instruments of Christ, Sheen dismantles misconceptions and sheds light on the threefold office of Christ—teaching, governing, and sanctifying. Emphasizing the need for priests to empty themselves of ego and be lifted up as victims, Sheen underscores the centrality of the cross in priestly life. As ambassadors of Christ, priests find identity in Him, navigating a delicate balance between humility and elevation.

In this opening session of the retreat for the priests of Archdiocese of Dublin led by Archbishop Fulton Sheen in 1977, he reflects on the commonality of sin among all, emphasizing our shared need for redemption. Drawing inspiration from the story of Joshua in the Old Testament, he likens priests to brands plucked from the burning, showcasing God's mercy and calling. As he delves into the lives of biblical figures like Noah, Abraham, and Moses, Archbishop Sheen underscores that God chooses individuals not for their perfection but for their potential transformation. The session concludes with a call to priests to rekindle their love for the timeless truths of the faith and to reflect on Christ's question, "Do you love me?"

In this address, Bishop Fulton Sheen explores the humanity of Christ, emphasizing the often-overlooked aspect alongside His divinity. He delves into the contradiction presented in Isaiah and Hebrews regarding Christ being reckoned with sinners yet separated from them. Bishop Sheen explains how Christ's unlimited human nature, devoid of a human personality, encompasses the entire human experience. He explores the repercussions of Adam's sin and argues that through the incarnation, Christ incorporated the humanity of every individual. The address also touches on the concept of transference, with physical, psychic, and moral dimensions, illustrating how Christ bore the suffering, illnesses, and sins of humanity to bring salvation to all.

Bishop Fulton Sheen delves into the profound mystery of the Incarnation, explaining how God, in the person of Jesus Christ, united both divine and human natures. This intricate union, termed the Hypostatic Union, aims at redeeming humanity from sin. Sheen emphasizes the necessity for God to become man, as human actions, even when aiming to atone, fall short of addressing the infinite debt of sin. By taking on human nature, God, through Christ, becomes our representative, paying the infinite debt we owe to God. This enlightening discourse explores the theological intricacies of the Incarnation, unveiling the divine plan for human redemption.

Bishop Sheen discusses the four Gospels of the New Testament, explaining their different audiences and purposes. He begins with Matthew, who wrote primarily for a Jewish audience to demonstrate that Jesus was the promised Messiah. Matthew frequently quotes from the Old Testament to support this argument. Next, Bishop Sheen discusses Mark, who wrote for a Roman audience. Mark emphasizes the authority and power of Jesus as he establishes dominion over evil and nature. He likely had the apostle Peter as an eyewitness source for his account. Luke, on the other hand, wrote for a Greek audience. As a physician, he uses medical terms and shows a preference for stories of healing. Luke also narrates the virgin birth. Finally, Bishop Sheen examines John's Gospel, which was written for a Christian audience. John focuses on the spiritual aspects of Jesus' ministry and provides insights into his deepest thoughts. He had the advantage of writing after the other Gospels and could presume that his readers already knew about the life of Christ. Bishop Sheen concludes by highlighting the unique contributions of each Gospel and their importance in understanding the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Bishop Sheen argues that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most important of all miracles and provides strong evidence for his divinity. He points out that the resurrection was not expected by the apostles and that they were convinced of its reality despite their initial skepticism. Bishop Sheen also addresses two popular theories that attempt to explain away the resurrection, the lie theory and the psychological theory, and demonstrates why both are inadequate. He concludes by emphasizing the significance of the resurrection as a call to die to what is holding us back and to embrace the risen Christ.