That October 2, 1979. That Cathedral of St. Patrick in New York City.
Pope John Paul II was paying a visit to that storied cathedral. As he solemnly strode the middle aisle, he paused at the altar rail.
Someone was waiting for him—Archbishop Fulton Sheen. The aged and disabled phenomenon attempted to kneel and kiss the pontifical ring.
The pope stopped him, looked into his eyes, and repeated the words of Our Lord to St. Thomas Aquinas 800 years ago: “You have written and spoken of Our Lord Jesus Christ. You are a loyal son of the Church.”
Two months later, Blessed Fulton was found dead in his chapel, praying before the Blessed Sacrament.
To add to the encomia that have already been written about Sheen seems a fool’s errand. But write we must. Somehow praises written over and over again can alone satisfy the depth of gratitude Catholics enjoy for this remarkable priest. Especially this priest.
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Editor’s Note: This essay first appeared in Crisis Magazine and is shared here as part of the Society for Sacred Tradition’s ongoing effort to preserve and promote Father Perricone’s writings. Please support Crisis by reading and sharing the original publication.