Treasure in Clay: The Autobiography of Fulton J. Sheen

Fulton J Sheen is one of America's Best Known and loved Catholic Bishops in the 20th Century. Known mostly for his great oratory skills on his TV program "Life is Worth Living" To say that the autobiography of Fulton J Sheen is a treasure would not be an understatement at all. All of Fulton Sheen's wit insight and warmth is in this book. Unlike autobiographies of other great orators Bishop Sheen's Autobiography carries all the emotion and humor of his speaches with out losing any appeal.Among the many great insights in this book are Sheen on his autobiography: "Carlye was wrong in saying that 'there is no life of a man faithfully recorded'. Mine was! The ink used was blood, the parchment was skin the pen a spear. over eighty chapters make up the book, each for a year of my life. Though I pick it up every day it never reads the same. The more I lift my eyes from it's pages the more I feel the need of doing my own autobiography that all might see what I want them to see. But the more I fasten my gaze on it, the more I see that everything worthwhile in it was received as a gift from Heaven. Why then should I glory in it?"Sheen on Communism "Communism also has a complete philosophy... If one starts with the wrong assumption and is logical from that point on , he will never get back to the road of truth. Communism is a religion ... That is why it appeals to those who are without faith and why Soviet Russia is today (WAS) regarded as the last hope of the western man who lives without God."There are numours great Quotes and stories/antidotes in this book on subjects ranging from missionaries and conversions to reflections on various Popes, to teaching and Celibacy. Treasure in clay is a great book written by one of the twentieth centurie's greatest Catholics

This is a charming book. If you've read other books by Archbishop Sheen, or remember his television lectures, then you must read "Treasure in Clay." And you needn't read the chapters in the order they were written. Depending on your mood, you might want to read "The Lighter Side," or the chapter about Our Lady, or "The Hour that Makes My Day" -- about his unwavering devotion to Eucharistic adoration. You might want to read about the Second Vatican Council, and the ebullient camaraderie that characterized the sessions (evidenced by some of the bishops playfully exchanging sacred limericks). You can read about Communism -- Sheen's chapter on this subject is a needed corrective to the historical lassitude that fails to convey the menace of this abominable ideology.There are anecdotes about FDR and about Humphrey Bogart. There are stories of conversions which Sheen helped bring to fruition; there is the note that the octogenarian archbishop received from a boy of fi!ve or six: "I hop you have a happy Birthday, and I hop you will be Pop.""Treasure in Clay" gives us laughter and devotion, humor and courage, poetry and the Cross, and a fine tribute to John Paul II, newly elected as this book was being written. There is much to treasure in "Treasure in Clay."

This is a wonderful book showing how a priest can live in the world, yet not become a "worldling". His sanctity is shown by his brilliant writing styling and his description of his life. Despite struggles of all kinds, Archbishop Sheen persevered, trying to fulfill God's Will in his life to the fullest. He is a very learned man, and a great apologist for those looking for information regarding Catholic apologetics. But one of the things that most amazed me about Sheen is his ability to love Jesus, and be able to find Him in the world and in sinners, trying his hardest to bring God into their life and thus, the world. If you're looking for an inspirational book for your parish priest, this would be a great selection, if he has not read it, because I'm sure this priest will one day become a Saint.

Without question, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen was the greatest priest-apologist of the twentieth century. Others might reasonably argue for Msgr. Ronald Knox to hold that crown, but I still give that title to Sheen. Knox was a modern Renaissance man, and wrote extensively and with great eloquence, but Sheen is the embodiment of the scriptural adage that "faith comes by hearing." He wrote just as extensively on matters of faith as Msgr. Knox, but he reached more souls because he opened electronic media to the gospel message. Not just Catholics, but also Protestants and even Jews tuned in to watch and listen to the world's first televangelist -- a Catholic priest!This is the book to read to begin to know Fulton Sheen, the man. From his childhood in the rural Midwest, to his European university days, to a priesthood that spanned sixty years, this book covers a life truly worth living. Sheen recounts his forays into radio and television, relates stories of taking the gospel to all men -- from the famous to the obscure (and always saying that he never counted how many conversions "he made," for fear he would begin to believe that he had made them), gives personal glimpses into his private spiritual life (anyone devoted to Sheen should read his chapter on the Holy Hours he made), and even tickles his reader's funny bone (loved the story of the telegram he sent a Jewish friend).Not long before he died, John Cardinal O'Connor of New York City opened a provisional cause to investigate the possibility of Archbishop Sheen's canonization. If he, by God's providence, is one day canonized, I look forward to the possibility that maybe one day, God willing, this twentieth century priest-apologist might be recognized as a Doctor of the Church. Fulton Sheen, pray for us!

Many people who were alive in the '50s and '60s are familiar with wit and wisdom of Archbishop Fulton Sheen from his television show, "Life is Worth Living." Sadly, I never saw or heard the man while he was alive, but I have been fortunate enough to hear tapes of many of his conferences. I bought Treasure in Clay because I wanted to know more about the man, Fulton Sheen. What comes through in his television shows and tapes is but a small fraction of the remarkable works this man accomplished in his life. Treasure in Clay is a wonderfully inspiring book that I believe shows how one man's example of living life to the fullest can be achieved by all of us. Sheen discusses his childhood, his early priesthood, his university studies, and his life as a priest. He shares conversion stories, travel stories, humor, and wisdom that is just as applicable today as it was when he shared it with us decades ago. Not only will you gain a greater appreciation for what Archbishop Sheen accomplished in his life (and wonder how he found the time to do it all!), you will also read valuable lessons that you can apply to better your own.