A View From The Pew – April 2026
A few of My Favourite Authors (ILMODB)
Looking back on nearly forty years of priestly ministry, perhaps the most influential person that has helped me in my preaching and ministry is Bishop Fulton Sheen. He is widely regarded as being a pioneer for the church in radio and television, dating back to the 1930s-50s when he had a regular radio programme, and then in the 1950s and 60s when he had a regular television programme that attracted many millions of viewers earning him an Emmy award.
An American Bishop, and then Archbishop, Fulton Sheen was born on May 8 1895 in El Paso, Illinois and was ordained priest for the Diocese of Peoria on 20th September 1919. After his ordination he was assigned as curate at St Patrick’s Parish in Peoria before embarking upon a university chaplaincy and teaching role. His autobiography “Treasure in Clay” is well worth reading no matter what your beliefs.
I think I first came upon his works when EWTN (Global Catholic Television Network) started to show his television programme “Life is Worth Living” from the 1960s. It was amazing how this “caped crusader” could captivate his audience with his monologue and blackboard for so many years. Some of his programmes are still available on You Tube and his “Miracle in Lourdes story” is an incredible tale, revealing a great faith and trust in God as well as a great devotion to Mary, the Mother of God.
Bishop Sheen spent one hour in prayer before the Blessed sacrament every day of his priestly ministry and went on to write some 73 books as well as leading retreats and preaching throughout the world. His work with the Missionary Church (Association for the Propagation of the Faith) raised millions of dollars and his continuing royalties are given to the APF, since his death in 1979.
He has remained an inspiration and help to me in my priestly life and I hope one day he will be canonised as a saint in the Church. I shall always be thankful to him for his recommendation of William Barclay (a Methodist) for his scripture commentaries. And even though there are some areas of theological differences, Barclay’s books remain a great source of reference and elucidation.
Two more contemporary scriptural authors who are well worth looking up are Scott Hahn and Brant Pitre. Their scripture insight into the Last Supper is truly amazing and life changing if you are a follower of Christ. I have already mentioned Jeff Calvins in my last VFTP and his great biblical knowledge and teaching skills continue to help millions of Christians deepen their faith and understanding of God.
Another contemporary theological author I would really recommend is Ronald Rolheiser who as well as writing a weekly column for many years with the Catholic Herald newspaper, has written some wonderful books including “Forgotten Among the Lilies”, “The Restless Heart” and “The Sacred Fire”. Rolheiser continues to be a source of help and inspiration for my homilies and again, is well worth reading to help you with any spiritual direction. It was Rolheiser who put me in touch with my final author of choice, Christopher de Vinck who was described in the Library Journal as “Having the knack of taking ordinary occurrences of life and showing how they reveal what is really important”. A committed Christian and family man, his books are a gentle and heart-warming read that give a wonderful insight into the human condition; drawing on his many experiences as a teacher, author, son, husband, brother and father.
I hope that you have the time to look up and read some of the above mentioned. I am deeply thankful to them for helping me on my journey of faith. I hope that you also have people in your life, whose words, faith and example help you and inspire you to be the person God created you to be. I pray that you receive many graces and blessings in the month ahead.
God Bless, Fr David Tams