The Venerable Fulton

I really couldn't let it pass that not one, but two, babies born to catechists in our CGS program this past month were named Fulton. In speaking to one of the families, it turns out that there is another baby boy sporting that name at a nearby parish as well. All of these babies seem to have one fabulous thing in common: their parents are greatly inspired by and devoted to a remarkable man of the past century: the Venerable Fulton John Sheen.

It is something of a Catholic tradition to choose names for our children that are chosen from great saints and biblical heroes whom we hope our children will emulate. It is also a way to ask for a special patron for our child. It isn't just because her name is so beautiful that you find so many Catholic girls named Mary!

Fulton Sheen is probably best known for his TV and Radio programs, the most memorable of which is called "Life is Worth Living." Can you imagine one of the most popular broadcasts of the 50s and 60s consisting solely of a man in clerical garb speaking for an hour in front of a chalkboard?? He even won the Emmy for Most Outstanding Television Personality twice!

Now it is easy to listen to his timeless talks via apps and youtube and websites online. He proved that the truth and holiness is attractive and that being a saint simply means being who you were made to be. In Archbishop Sheen's case, God used his extraordinary talent to spread His message in a totally new way.

Though I doubt you will see the name "Fulton" topping the list of most popular boy names soon, I am excited to watch these little boys grow into the great name they have been given. And who knows? Perhaps the cause for Archbishop Sheen's canonization will progress as quickly as we all hope, so that when these little boys reach the age of Confirmation their venerable name will be one of a canonized saint!