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Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen: Convert Maker
Venerable Fulton J. Sheen was one of the greatest spiritual leaders—and entertainers—in America’s tumultuous twentieth century. His television shows, for which he eventually won an Emmy Award, reached millions of viewers, and in the 1950s and ‘60s, “Fulton Sheen” was a household name.
But his greatest gift was in finding lost sheep. Through his thought, wit, and compassion, many thousands of people likely entered the Church, from all walks of life. Among them were jazz legend Ada “Bricktop” Smith, journalist Heywood Broun, Communist activist Louis Budenz, U.S. Congresswoman Clare Boothe Luce, spy Elizabeth Bentley, composer Fritz Kreisler, Communist Bella Dodd, and Hollywood starlet Virginia Mayo.
This in-depth work by historian Cheryl C. D. Hughes lets readers inhabit the postwar America where Bishop Fulton Sheen thrived, in order to reveal what made him such a magnetic figure in his own era. It peers into the complex lives of the celebrities and fallen stars who saw in the warm, brilliant bishop a sign of God’s grace, and it offers a study in the inner dynamics of conversion.
Sheen was far more than a speaker and a scholar. A priest and shepherd foremost, he firmly believed that the Church needed to be poor to serve the poor, personally donating all the money he ever earned—over $200 million—to mission services. He was also an active participant at the Second Vatican Council, where he befriended the young bishop of Kraków, Karol Wojtyla, who had learned English, at least partially, from listening to recordings of Sheen. Pope John Paul II would later embrace Archbishop Sheen and say, “You have written and spoken well of the Lord Jesus. You are a loyal son of the Church.”
While Sheen influenced countless conversions, he was always clear that it was the Holy Spirit, not the man, who makes the convert. By examining this bishop’s ministry in action, we can catch a glimpse of how God works in the human heart, and in a fallen world.
But his greatest gift was in finding lost sheep. Through his thought, wit, and compassion, many thousands of people likely entered the Church, from all walks of life. Among them were jazz legend Ada “Bricktop” Smith, journalist Heywood Broun, Communist activist Louis Budenz, U.S. Congresswoman Clare Boothe Luce, spy Elizabeth Bentley, composer Fritz Kreisler, Communist Bella Dodd, and Hollywood starlet Virginia Mayo.
This in-depth work by historian Cheryl C. D. Hughes lets readers inhabit the postwar America where Bishop Fulton Sheen thrived, in order to reveal what made him such a magnetic figure in his own era. It peers into the complex lives of the celebrities and fallen stars who saw in the warm, brilliant bishop a sign of God’s grace, and it offers a study in the inner dynamics of conversion.
Sheen was far more than a speaker and a scholar. A priest and shepherd foremost, he firmly believed that the Church needed to be poor to serve the poor, personally donating all the money he ever earned—over $200 million—to mission services. He was also an active participant at the Second Vatican Council, where he befriended the young bishop of Kraków, Karol Wojtyla, who had learned English, at least partially, from listening to recordings of Sheen. Pope John Paul II would later embrace Archbishop Sheen and say, “You have written and spoken well of the Lord Jesus. You are a loyal son of the Church.”
While Sheen influenced countless conversions, he was always clear that it was the Holy Spirit, not the man, who makes the convert. By examining this bishop’s ministry in action, we can catch a glimpse of how God works in the human heart, and in a fallen world.
310 pages, Paperback
Published November 30, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 21, 2025
God gives each of us a purpose. A talent. It is up to us to use them to further God’s will. Just like Archbishop Fulton Sheen. Pray for us, Fulton Sheen, that we may be worthy of the promises of Christ.
September 11, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I just finished Convert Maker and it’s the kind of book that makes you want to tell everyone about Fulton Sheen. Hughes paints him as this dynamic, funny, deeply prayerful guy who wasn’t just a speaker—he was someone who genuinely changed lives. The stories are compelling: communists, Hollywood stars, politicians—all kinds of people were moved by Sheen’s kindness, wit, and conviction. What feels most real is how constant Sheen’s work was: radio, TV, hundreds of letters, lots of personal sacrifice.
Hughes doesn’t ignore Sheen’s struggles or how unusual some of his methods were, but she balances admiration with critical insight. If you like spiritual biographies, or are curious how someone becomes a persuasive evangelizer without being pushy, this is a great read. Worth picking up.
Damian North.
Author.
Hughes doesn’t ignore Sheen’s struggles or how unusual some of his methods were, but she balances admiration with critical insight. If you like spiritual biographies, or are curious how someone becomes a persuasive evangelizer without being pushy, this is a great read. Worth picking up.
Damian North.
Author.
January 3, 2026
Not sure if this is a hot take, but I’d be shocked if Fulton Sheen isn’t canonized someday. Learned so much more than I could have ever thought from this book about his life. A little repetitious at times, but a solid autobiography. Was hoping to finish this one in 2025, but I cranked it out to start 2026 instead. Would definitely recommend this one!
December 24, 2024
Excellent biography of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews