St. Louis, Mo. – As tens of thousands gather at The Dome at America’s Center this Thursday for the beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen, Bishop Robert Barron, the bishop of the Diocese of Winona‑Rochester, Minnesota, issued a stark warning about the resurgence of communism in the United States.
Communism’s “comeback” and the need for a Catholic voice
Speaking in front of the iconic Gateway Arch, Bishop Barron said, “You don’t need me to tell you that communism is making a comeback right now in our country.” He added that American church leaders must, like Sheen, raise their voices against the ideology and defend both American and Catholic principles.
Barron highlighted Sheen’s legacy as “one of the great voices against communism in mid‑20th‑century America,” noting that the late archbishop’s fierce opposition remains relevant today. Sheen, a prolific author and television personality, argued that communism could never coexist with religion because atheism is essential to its doctrine.
Sheen’s anti‑communist teachings
In his 1948 book Communism and the Conscience of the West, Sheen described communism as a “complete philosophy of life” that seeks to control both the body and soul, calling it a totalitarian doctrine that aims to become a church of its own. Barron reiterated that Sheen believed the removal of God from public life would erode equality, freedom, and individual rights.
“Our integrity as a democratic society is dependent ultimately on our belief in God,” Barron said, echoing Sheen’s conviction that the Declaration of Independence’s principles are inseparable from a belief in a higher moral authority.
Beatification ceremony and broader political context
The beatification, scheduled for Thursday, will be presided over by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle on behalf of Pope Leo XIV. The event marks a major step toward Sheen’s canonization, granting him the title “Blessed.”
Barron’s comments come as the nation heads toward the November midterm elections, where communism and democratic socialism have become flashpoints in political discourse. Republicans have pointed to recent Democratic primary victories by progressive candidates as evidence of a leftward shift within the party.
Why the warning matters to believers
For many Catholics, the beatification serves as a reminder of the Church’s historical stand against ideologies that threaten religious liberty. Barron urged clergy and laypeople alike to follow Sheen’s example, stating, “We need that voice again today.”
He also emphasized Sheen’s pride in his American identity, noting that the combination of faith and patriotism powered Sheen’s anti‑communist stance in the 1940s and 1950s.
Looking ahead
As the beatification draws near, Bishop Barron’s warning underscores a broader concern among faith leaders that the ideological battle over America’s moral foundation is far from over. Whether the message resonates with the broader public remains to be seen, but the ceremony will undoubtedly spotlight the enduring relevance of Sheen’s teachings for today’s Catholic community.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
