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March 30, 2026 By William Warren Leave a Comment

Fulton Sheen Beatification and the Belmont connection

Fulton Sheen Beatification and The Belmont Connection

Last week, The Holy See announced the date for The Beatification of the Venerable Archbishop Fulton
Sheen. Coming on The Solemnity of The Annunciation, the announcement set the event for September
24, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri.
Sheen is recognized as a pioneer in the realm of media evangelization, in both radio and television. But
he is best known for his Emmy-winning TV show, Life is Worth Living, which ran from 1952-1957,
wherein he discussed general morality and Catholicism. As we celebrate our country’s 250 th anniversary
this year, it is also appropriate to note that the American Archbishop was a dauntless defender of the
founding principles of this nation, in his spiritual and intellectual fight against Communism and
Socialism.
At the height of his career, we were blessed to have Fulton Sheen grace the grounds of Belmont Abbey.
On June 4, 1957, he delivered a commencement speech here, and was otherwise friends with some of
the pillars of Belmont’s monastic community: Father Cuthbert Allen, Abbot Edmund McCaffrey, and
Abbot Walter Coggin, who later would join Sheen as one of the Vatican Fathers.
It was the wit and wisdom of Fulton Sheen that people remember the most about him, delivered
through his engaging personality, which was kind, compassionate, and inexorably driven by the
transforming power of the love of Christ.
Of the many memorable and sapient words that he lavished upon the world, it would perhaps benefit us
the most in our Lenten journey to reflect on his insightful quip regarding sin. “Sin,” he said, “consists in
not desiring one thing too much but in desiring something other than the kingdom of God.”
So as we enter into Holy Week, let us pray in gratitude for the holy life of the soon-to-be Blessed Fulton
Sheen and follow in his footsteps of imitating Christ, so that we may desire nothing other than the
Kingdom of God.

NB: The two images featured here are from Sheen’s visit to Belmont on June 4, 1957. The photo is of
Sheen at the lectern during the commencement ceremony in The Haid. The other image is of the 1957
Graduation Program bearing Sheen’s signiature.

May 30, 2025 By radefolaju Leave a Comment

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May 20, 2025 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

Belmont Abbey College Class of 2025 Graduation Photos

For those who were able to celebrate with us at Commencement this Saturday and those who may have missed it, Mike Gibson has provided a link to access the many wonderful photos from the event. Just click here and enter the password 2025 to view!

May 1, 2025 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

Belmont Abbey College Reflects on Pope Francis

As the Catholic College of the South, Belmont Abbey College and its community continues to reflect on the life and death of Pope Francis. After a blessed Easter Sunday, in the early morning hours of the second day of the Easter Octave, we were met with the sorrowful news about the death of Pope Francis. The passing of our Holy Father is a solemn and contemplative time for all Catholics, made especially poignant during this most supreme celebration of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The college Chancellor, Abbot Placid expressed the sentiments of many, stating, “Easter is a blessed time for Pope Francis to complete his service and go home to the Lord. The Church was blessed that Pope Francis imparted what was to be his final blessing to the Church and the world on Easter Sunday. Our monastic and college communities join in praying for Pope Francis and in giving thanks for his life of service to the Church as a consecrated religious, priest, bishop and, ultimately, as chief pastor of Christ’s flock.”

As the Church enters a period of transition, attention turns to the election of a new pope. The process of electing a new pope is under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and in the hands of the College of Cardinals, who will convene a conclave to discern and elect the next supreme pontiff. This sacred process is rooted in prayer and tradition dating back to St. Peter, the first Bishop of Rome, ensuring that the election is made with wisdom and the guidance of Divine Providence.

“May God, who provides for His Church in times of joy and sorrow, exultation and difficulty, guide the Cardinals as they discern and elect a new Pope,” said Dr. Thierfelder. “Please join the Abbey community in praying daily for all the leaders of the Church and especially for the one Cardinal who will be elected and called to lead the Church.”

Abbey student, Hannah Martin, shares, “Pope Francis exemplified how to engage the entire community with a spirit of paternal love. While his approach was notably modern, his life offers insights into what it means to live as a Christian. As a community, we unite in prayer and gratitude for his life and legacy.”

As the world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, his legacy of compassion, humility, and service will continue to inspire countless individuals and communities around the world.

February 1, 2024 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

Black History Month: Alumni Spotlight

During Black History Month, we’ll be highlighting alumni, saints, and citizens who have led the way for equality. As we begin our celebration, we want to highlight Alphonso Patrick, the first African American student to enroll and graduate from Belmont Abbey College. Graduating in 1962, Alphonso forged friendships with students and faculty, discovered his passion for building communities, and married his wife in the Abbey Basilica! Alphonso remarked about his time at the Abbey, “It was a tremendous learning period… I found it quite formative and helpful…”

Read his story now.