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World-renowned evangelist and New York Times best-selling author Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen presents a collection of engaging sermons, encouraging the reader in the practice of the three theological virtues of faith, hope and charity along with the four cardinal virtues of prudence, temperance, justice and fortitude.

During these reflections, Sheen will make a connection between these seven virtues and the Seven Last Words spoken by Jesus from the Cross. While these meditations by Fulton J. Sheen on the Seven Last Words correlated to the seven virtues make no pretence to absoluteness, they do make convenient points of illustrations.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE

INTRODUCTION

THE FIRST VIRTUE - FORTITUDE - "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

THE SECOND VIRTUE - HOPE - "This day thou shalt be with Me in Paradise."

THE THIRD VIRTUE - PRUDENCE - "Woman, behold thy son! (Son) Behold thy mother!."

THE FOURTH VIRTUE - FAITH - "My God! My God! Why hast Thou hast abandoned Me?"

THE FIFTH VIRTUE - TEMPERANCE - I thirst."

THE SIXTH VIRTUE - JUSTICE - "It is finished."

THE SEVENTH VIRTUE - CHARITY - "Father, into Thy Hands, I commend My Spirit."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

This book has one main aim and that is to awaken an appreciation of the Passion of Our Lord and to hopefully incite the practice of virtue. If it does that in but one soul its publication has been justified.

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen was a man for all seasons. Over his lifetime, he spent himself for souls, transforming lives with the clear teaching of the truths of Christ and His Church through his books, his radio addresses, his lectures, his television series, and his many newspaper columns.

The topics of this much-sought-after lecturer ranged from the social concerns of the day to matters of faith and morals. With an easy and personable manner, Sheen could strike up a conversation on just about any subject, making numerous friends as well as converts.

During the 1930s and ''40s, Fulton Sheen was the featured speaker on The Catholic Hour radio broadcast, and millions of listeners heard his radio addresses each week. His topics ranged from politics and the economy to philosophy and man''s eternal pursuit of happiness.

Along with his weekly radio program, Sheen wrote dozens of books and pamphlets. One can safely say that through his writings, thousands of people changed their perspective about God and the Church. Sheen was quoted as saying, "There are not one hundred people in the United States who hate the Catholic Church, but there are millions who hate what they wrongly perceive the Catholic Church to be."

Possessing a burning zeal to dispel the myths about Our Lord and His Church, Sheen gave a series of powerful presentations on Christ''s Passion and His seven last words from the Cross. As a Scripture scholar, Archbishop Sheen knew full well the power contained in preaching Christ crucified. With St. Paul, he could say, "For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified" (1 Cor. 2:2).

During his last recorded Good Friday address in 1979, Archbishop Sheen spoke of having given this type of reflection on the subject of Christ''s seven last words from the Cross "for the fifty-eighth consecutive time." Whether from the young priest in Peoria, Illinois, the university professor in Washington, D.C., or the bishop in New York, Sheen''s messages were sure to make an indelible mark on his listeners.

Given their importance and the impact they had on society, it seemed appropriate to reintroduce these reflections from 1940 on the seven virtues.

God Love You.

World-renowned evangelist and New York Times best-selling author Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen presents a collection of engaging sermons, encouraging the reader to understand the mystery of suffering and sorrow in the world today.

Throughout this series of sermons, Archbishop Sheen will provide some valuable insights as to why sometimes, the innocent have to suffer. Using the Seven Last Words spoken by Jesus from the Cross on Calvary as a backdrop, Sheen will address the topics of pain and suffering using his inimitable writing style, with immediacy, yet conveying joy and comfort in the subject matter.

These meditations on the Seven Last Words correlated to the mystery of pain and suffering make no pretence to absoluteness. The Words are not necessarily related to the struggles we face but they do make convenient points of illustrations.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

UNJUST SUFFERING - "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

PAIN - "This day thou shalt be with Me in Paradise."

SUFFERING OF THE INNOCENT - "Woman, behold thy son! (Son) Behold thy mother!"

GOD AND THE SOUL - "My God! My God! Why hast Thou hast abandoned Me?"

THE NEED OF ZEAL - "I thirst."

A PLANNED UNIVERSE - "It is finished."

ETERNAL FREEDOM - "Father, into Thy Hands, I commend My Spirit."

This book has one main aim and that is to awaken an appreciation of the Passion of Our Lord and to hopefully incite in the reader a better understanding of pain and suffering. If it does that in but one soul its publication has been justified.

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen was a man for all seasons. Over his lifetime, he spent himself for souls, transforming lives with the clear teaching of the truths of Christ and His Church through his books, his radio addresses, his lectures, his television series, and his many newspaper columns.

The topics of this much-sought-after lecturer ranged from the social concerns of the day to matters of faith and morals. With an easy and personable manner, Sheen could strike up a conversation on just about any subject, making numerous friends as well as converts.

During the 1930s and ''40s, Fulton Sheen was the featured speaker on The Catholic Hour radio broadcast, and millions of listeners heard his radio addresses each week. His topics ranged from politics and the economy to philosophy and man''s eternal pursuit of happiness.

Along with his weekly radio program, Sheen wrote dozens of books and pamphlets. One can safely say that through his writings, thousands of people changed their perspective about God and the Church. Sheen was quoted as saying, "There are not one hundred people in the United States who hate the Catholic Church, but there are millions who hate what they wrongly perceive the Catholic Church to be."

Possessing a burning zeal to dispel the myths about Our Lord and His Church, Sheen gave a series of powerful presentations on Christ''s Passion and His seven last words from the Cross. As a Scripture scholar, Archbishop Sheen knew full well the power contained in preaching Christ crucified. With St. Paul, he could say, "For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified" (1 Cor. 2:2).

Given their importance and the impact they had on society, it seemed appropriate to reintroduce these reflections once again on the rainbow of sorrow.

This book is a collection of sermons from Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen where he speaks about seven different groups of people found at the foot of the cross at Calvary over 2,000 years ago and how these groups are still present today.

There are millions of souls in this great country of ours who have no religion whatsoever. Their attitudes vary from an earnest yearning for religion to an intense hatred of it. It is quite possible that all of them could be reduced to seven distinct categories.

Our Lord spoke seven times from the Cross - and these are called His Seven Last Words. But those who were on Calvary''s Hill that afternoon addressed seven words to Him on the Cross, thus revealing the seven different impacts the Cross makes on souls.

The seven words, which Our Lord spoke from the Cross were not specific answers to specific challenges, but they do reveal lessons applicable to the challenge.

TO THE HUMANISTS

"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."TO THE SINNERS "This day thou shalt be with Me in Paradise."

TO THE SELFISH

"Woman, behold thy son! (Son) Behold thy mother!"

TO THE INTELLIGENTSIA

"My God! My God! Why hast Thou hast abandoned Me?"

TO THE MODERNS

"I thirst."

TO THE SENSATIONALISTS

"It is finished."

TO THE THINKERS

"Father, into Thy Hands, I commend My Spirit."

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen was a man for all seasons. Over his lifetime, he spent himself for souls, transforming lives with the clear teaching of the truths of Christ and His Church through his books, his radio addresses, his lectures, his television series, and his many newspaper columns.The topics of this much-sought-after lecturer ranged from the social concerns of the day to matters of faith and morals. With an easy and personable manner, Sheen could strike up a conversation on just about any subject, making numerous friends as well as converts.

During the 1930s and ''40s, Fulton Sheen was the featured speaker on The Catholic Hour radio broadcast, and millions of listeners heard his radio addresses each week. His topics ranged from politics and the economy to philosophy and man''s eternal pursuit of happiness.Along with his weekly radio program, Sheen wrote dozens of books and pamphlets. One can safely say that through his writings, thousands of people changed their perspective about God and the Church. Sheen was quoted as saying, "There are not one hundred people in the United States who hate the Catholic Church, but there are millions who hate what they wrongly perceive the Catholic Church to be."

Possessing a burning zeal to dispel the myths about Our Lord and His Church, Sheen gave a series of powerful presentations on Christ''s Passion and His seven last words from the Cross. As a Scripture scholar, Archbishop Sheen knew full well the power contained in preaching Christ crucified. With St. Paul, he could say, "For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified" (1 Cor. 2:2).

During his last recorded Good Friday address in 1979, Archbishop Sheen spoke of having given this type of reflection on the subject of Christ''s seven last words from the Cross "for the fifty-eighth consecutive time." Whether from the young priest in Peoria, Illinois, the university professor in Washington, D.C., or the bishop in New York, Sheen''s messages were sure to make an indelible mark on his listeners.

Given their importance and the impact they had on society, it seemed appropriate to reintroduce these reflections once again on the seven words spoken to the Cross.

THE HOLY HOUR, CALVARY AND THE MASS

Two classic titles by Archbishop Sheen brought together in this special collection!

World-renowned evangelist, Emmy award winner and New York Times best-selling author Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen understands the transformative power of the Eucharist and has written and spoken about it for years.

This special edition contains two of Sheen''s most sought after books. His 1936 book, Calvary and the Mass: A Missal Companion is coupled with his very popular Holy Hour Prayer Book.

The Seven Last Words are like the seven parts of the Mass. And just as there are seven notes in music admitting an infinite variety of harmonies and combinations, so too on the Cross there are seven divine notes, which the dying Christ rang down the centuries, all of which combine to form the beautiful harmony of the world''s redemption.

Each word is a part of the Mass.

THE CONFITEOR

Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.

THE OFFERTORY

Amen, I say to thee, this day thou shalt be with me in paradise.

THE SANCTUS

Woman, behold thy son.

THE CONSECRATION

My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?

THE COMMUNION

I thirst.

THE ITE, MISSA EST

It is consummated.

THE LAST GOSPEL

Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit."

In the Holy Hour Prayer Book, the reader will find insightful meditations given by Fulton J. Sheen and other great writers on the topics of:

WHY MAKE A HOLY HOUR

HOW TO MAKE THE HOLY HOUR

THE INCARNATION OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST

HOW CHRIST LIVES IN US TODAY

HOW THE DIVINE LIFE IS LOST AND OUR FINAL END

THE DUTY OF SELF-DENIAL

GIVING GLORY TO GOD IN THE WORLD

THE EUCHARIST, THE NEED OF OUR HEART

OUR BLESSED MOTHER

Given the importance of these books, and the impact they had on society, it seemed appropriate to reintroduce these reflections once again. A new generation of readers will be sure to enjoy these fine works that speak to the transformative power of the Eucharist.

Enjoy nine (9) of Fulton J. Sheen''s most treasured books on the Seven Last Words brought together into one special collection.

During the 1930s and ''40s, Fulton Sheen was the featured speaker on The Catholic Hour radio broadcast, and millions of listeners heard his radio addresses each week. His topics ranged from politics and the economy to philosophy and man''s eternal pursuit of happiness.

Possessing a burning zeal to dispel the myths about Our Lord and His Church, Sheen gave a series of powerful presentations on Christ''s Passion and His seven last words from the Cross. As a Scripture scholar, Archbishop Sheen knew full well the power contained in preaching Christ crucified. With St. Paul, he could say, "For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified" (1 Cor. 2:2).

During his last recorded Good Friday address in 1979, Archbishop Sheen spoke of having given this type of reflection on the subject of Christ''s seven last words from the cross "for the fifty-eighth consecutive time." Whether from the young priest in Peoria, Illinois, the university professor in Washington, D.C., or the bishop in New York, Sheen''s messages were sure to make an indelible mark on his listeners.

Given their importance and the impact they had on society, it seemed appropriate to bring together in this anthology some of Archbishop Sheen''s meditations on the Seven Last Words Our Blessed Lord spoke from the Cross on Calvary.

The meditations contained in this book are taken from several books and articles written by Sheen between 1933 and 1945.

These mediations have been selected to provide nine unique reflections for study and meditation on the Seven Last Words.

As the reader ponders these reflections, they might have to pause for a moment or two over a sentence that is full of deep meaning that stirs the heart. He might also find that Archbishop Sheen has repeated certain lines throughout these reflections to drive home a point or an important theme, as any good teacher would do.

Archbishop Sheen''s dynamic personality combined with his brilliant mind, tireless pen, and eloquent voice has made him one of the best-known figures in the world. His radio and television appearances have been phenomenally successful and are still viewed today. His books and magazine articles continue to gratify and attract a boundless circle of readers. This collection of meditations gives still another example of why this continues to be so today.

World-renowned evangelist, Emmy Award winner, and New York Times best-selling author Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen presents a collection of engaging sermons, that will encourage the reader to better understand the two greatest sermons preached by Christ.

THE CROSS AND THE BEATITUDES

Jesus calls all His children to the pulpit of the Cross, and every word He says to them is set down for the purpose of an eternal publication and undying consolation.

There was never a preacher like the dying Christ. There was never a congregation like that which gathered about the pulpit of the Cross. And there was never a sermon like the Seven Last Words.

These meditations on the Seven Last Words correlated to the Beatitudes make no pretence to absoluteness. The Words are not necessarily related to the beatitudes but they do make convenient points of illustrations.

BLESSED ARE THE MEEK

"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL

"This day thou shalt be with me in paradise."

BLESSED ARE THE CLEAN OF HEART

"(Son) behold thy mother, Woman, behold thy son."

BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT

"My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?"

BLESSED ARE THEY THAT HUNGER AND THIRST AFTER JUSTICE

"I thirst."

BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS

"It is consummated."

BLESSED ARE THEY THAT MOURN

"Father into thy hands I commend my spirit."

THE SEVEN WORDS OF JESUS AND MARY

It is interesting that Our Lord spoke seven times on Calvary and that His Mother is recorded as having spoken but seven times in Sacred Scripture. Her last recorded word was at the Marriage Feast of Cana when her Divine Son began His Public Life. Now that the sun was out, there was no longer need of the moon to shine. Now that the Word has spoken, there was no longer need of words.

St. Luke records five of the seven words which he could have known only from her. St. John records the other two. One wonders, as Our Blessed Lord spoke each of His Seven Words if Our Blessed Mother at the foot of the Cross did not think of each of her corresponding words. Such will be the subject of our meditation: Our Lord''s Seven Words on the Cross and the Seven Words of Mary''s Life.

World-renowned evangelist and New York Times best-selling author Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen presents a collection of engaging sermons, that will encourage the reader to better understanding the relationship between the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus.

Throughout the pages of this book, Archbishop Sheen will provide some valuable insights as to the deep bonds between a mother and her children. Using the Seven Last Words spoken by Jesus from the Cross on Calvary as a backdrop, Sheen will address the subject of motherly love using his inimitable writing style, with immediacy, yet conveying joy and comfort in the subject matter.

These meditations on the Seven Last Words correlated to the seven recorded times in scripture that Mary spoke make no pretence to absoluteness. The Words are not necessarily related to each other but they do make convenient points of illustrations.

THE VALUE OF IGNORANCE

"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

THE SECRET OF SANCTITY

"This day thou shalt be with Me in Paradise."

THE FELLOWSHIP OF RELIGION

"Woman, behold thy son! (Son) Behold thy mother!"

CONFIDENCE IN VICTORY

"My God! My God! Why hast Thou hast abandoned Me?"

RELIGION IS A QUEST

"I thirst."

THE HOUR

"It is finished."

THE PURPOSE OF LIFE

"Father, into Thy Hands, I commend My Spirit."

Possessing a burning zeal to dispel the myths about Our Lord and His Church, Sheen gave a series of powerful presentations on Christ''s Passion and His seven last words from the Cross. As a Scripture scholar, Archbishop Sheen knew full well the power contained in preaching Christ crucified. With St. Paul, he could say, "For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified" (1 Cor. 2:2).

During his last recorded Good Friday address in 1979, Archbishop Sheen spoke of having given this type of reflection on the subject of Christ''s seven last words from the Cross "for the fifty-eighth consecutive time." Whether from the young priest in Peoria, Illinois, the university professor in Washington, D.C., or the bishop in New York, Sheen''s messages were sure to make an indelible mark on his listeners.

Given their importance and the impact they had on society, it seemed appropriate to reintroduce these reflections once again on the seven words of both Jesus and Mary.

God Love You.

THE LORD''S PRAYER AND THE SEVEN LAST WORDS

During the 1930s and ''40s, Fulton Sheen was the featured speaker on The Catholic Hour radio broadcast, and millions of listeners heard his radio addresses each week. His topics ranged from politics and the economy to philosophy and man''s eternal pursuit of happiness.

Possessing a burning zeal to dispel the myths about Our Lord and His Church, Sheen gave a series of powerful presentations on Christ''s Passion and His seven last words from the Cross. As a Scripture scholar, Archbishop Sheen knew full well the power contained in preaching Christ crucified. With St. Paul, he could say, "For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified" (1 Cor. 2:2).

During his last recorded Good Friday address in 1979, Archbishop Sheen spoke of having given this type of reflection on the subject of Christ''s seven last words from the Cross "for the fifty-eighth consecutive time." Whether from the young priest in Peoria, Illinois, the university professor in Washington, D.C., or the bishop in New York, Sheen''s messages were sure to make an indelible mark on his listeners.

Given their importance and the impact they had on society, it seemed appropriate to reintroduce a number of these reflections from 1933 and 1935 on the Seven Last Words and The Lord''s Prayer.

Fulton Sheen wrote:

Our Lord is the only King who ever stumbled to His throne. But that was because He is God, and God reveals His Power through the weakness of a crucifixion and His Wisdom through the foolishness of a cross.

What message will the King deliver from His unkingly throne? Last words are always important but particularly the last words of Him Who gave His Life for the redemption of many! It will be recalled that one day, the Apostles approached Him saying: "Lord, teach us to pray." He answered their request by giving them the perfect prayer: the Our Father. Now the time comes for Him to say His own "Our Father." As there were seven petitions in the "Our Father" He taught us, so there are seven petitions in His own last prayer. They are known as the Seven Last Words. We shall meditate conjointly on our "Our Father," and His "Our Father."

Our Father Who art in heaven. / Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.

Hallowed be Thy Name. / Amen, I say to thee, this day thou shalt be with me in paradise.

Thy Kingdom Come. / Woman, behold thy son.

Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven. / My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?

Give us this day our daily bread. / I thirst.

Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. / It is consummated.

Deliver us from all evil. Amen. / Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.

The Lord''s Prayer and the Seven Last Words have been referred to as "Two Bridges Connecting Heaven and Earth". In the pages that will follow, Archbishop Sheen will help us to understand this in a more deep and meaningful way.

The Cross & The Crib. When Calvary Becomes the Nursery.

A Journey of Discovery with Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

In this special collection of writings, Archbishop Sheen presents an array of meditations on Our Blessed Lord''s words spoken from the Cross; "Woman behold your son; behold your Mother (John 19:26-27)."

This anthology contains fifteen reflections taken from nine of Sheen''s best-selling books. These meditations offer insightful perspectives regarding the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in salvation history, and the theology behind the term "spiritual adoption".

As the reader ponders these reflections, they might have to pause for a moment or two over a sentence that is full of deep meaning that stirs the heart. They will find that throughout the book, Archbishop Sheen has an easy and personable manner in expressing the clear teaching of the truths of Christ and His Church. This journey of discovery is sure to please, as Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen shares his insights, on how in each soul, ''Calvary can become the Nursery''.

Archbishop Sheen''s dynamic personality combined with his brilliant mind, tireless pen, and eloquent voice has made him one of the best-known figures in the world. His radio and television appearances have been phenomenally successful and are still viewed today. His books and magazine articles continue to gratify and attract a boundless circle of readers. This collection of meditations gives still another example of why this continues to be so today.