Missions and the World Crisis

Unless Souls are Saved, Nothing is Saved

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.

In 1950, Sheen became the National Director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, raising money to support the missions. During the 16 years that he held this position, he raised millions of dollars to support the missionary activity of the Church. These efforts influenced tens of millions of people all over the world, bringing them to know Christ and his Church. In addition, his own preaching and personal example brought about many converts to the faith.

Sheen said that one of his greatest loves was for the missions and the propagation of the faith. "It is not only souls that have to be saved; it is society. It is not only souls that have to be sanctified; it is bodies as well.

Sheen further added that "Christian civilization was once considered as 'inside' the reservation, and non-Christian civilizations as 'outside'; but today the fence has been broken down with the result that the distinction between 'foreign' and 'Christian' or Christian and pagan is practically eliminated. It is the world of mass civilization which has to be reconciled to God and that the most worthy of causes is to pray for the 1,100,000,000 pagans in the world who know neither the Sacred Heart, nor the Immaculate Heart."

Many will say that Missions and the World Crisis is one of Archbishop Sheen's most important books. Even though it was written over sixty years ago, it is still the most timely, informative, reliable, and dynamic treatment of a critical topic available today.

The mission field is near and dear to the Archbishop - and he was completely familiar with every phase of it. Gathered here are some of his editorials and articles on the subject of the missions. Together they present a remarkably comprehensive picture of the missions and their significant role in the drama of the modern world affairs.

Here is the story of what is really happening in the missionary field as enacted by the people who are "living it out" - day by day - working, praying, waiting for that one day when the picture will emerge completely and in correct perspective for all to see. No politicians' report, this; no hollow observations by mere observers. This is real . . . this is the story behind the stories we hear in the newscasts and read in the newspapers. This is the story we want to know - need to know to interpret what is happening.