Seeds of Truth Ministries

Joseph Hollcraft

Treasure in Clay: The Autobiography of Fulton J. Sheen

In the twentieth Century, Fulton J. Sheen, born in 1895 in Illinois and baptized as Peter, walked into the history of the Church and left an indelible mark as an evangelist, a missionary and, most of all, as a priest “acting in the person of Christ” (p. 3). His autobiography Treasure in Clay was released in 1980, only months after “God called Archbishop Fulton Sheen to himself by name” (p. 355).

It is no exaggeration to state that Sheen was a beloved voice of Catholicism for many decades and his autobiography offers a glimpse into his life and the depth of his faith.  In his own words, Treasure in Clay is “not the whole truth - the scars are the whole truth… what you read is truth nevertheless, but on a lower level: the narrative of a jewel and its setting, the treasure and its wrapping, the lily and its pond” (p. 3). While this narrative is incomplete, it is, nonetheless, a narrative full of wisdom and a testament to a life truly lived for Christ. 

Fulton Sheen uses his skill with words to paint the vivid story of his life which he divides into three stages: 1) The First Look, 2) Profession with staurophobia (fear of the cross), and 3) The Second Look.  He uses his own words to tell us the story of his childhood, his time as a student and in seminary, his work in media, his travels as a missionary and his involvement in the Second Vatican Council.  His powerful reflections on evangelization, celibacy, conversion, retreats, his papal audiences and Our Mother Mary challenges the reader to contemplate truth and live a life which seeks to reflect Christ “not only in work but in word and life” (p. 97).  

While Fulton Sheen is a master with words, Treasure in Clay is not meant to only be read but to be pondered and internalized.  As he reflects on his own life, he offers inspiration to the reader to seek out what it truly means to be a follower of Christ - to be his clay.  “The treasure comes from God; the clay gives the response” (p. 29).

By Mercedes Hollcraft

purchase book at https://www.amazon.com/Treasure-Clay-Autobiography-Fulton-Sheen/dp/03851...

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Unleashing the Power of Intercessory Prayer - Book Cover

“Hollcraft's book engagingly integrates his personal experience with the luminous witness of Scripture and the overflowing holiness of the saints to help you maximize the effectiveness of your intercessory prayer.”
Bishop Liam Cary
Diocese of Baker, Oregon

“With this book, Hollcraft opens the door to the humble act of praying for others and invites us, through practical and accessible tips, to step through that door with trust.”
Dr. Anthony Lilles
Author and Academic Dean of Saint Patrick's Seminary, Menlo Park (CA)

"As I read through these pages, I am reminded of our beautiful calling to pray for others, and Dr. Hollcraft explains here how to do so in deepest intimacy with Jesus Christ!"
Fr. Dave Pivonka T.O.R.
President of Franciscan University of Steubenville

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A Heart for Evangelizing - Book Cover

“Evangelization is never about numbers, and never about programs. It’s one heart setting another on fire. With this book, Dr. Hollcraft helps us keep the home fires burning—even as we set the world ablaze with Christ.”
Mike Aquilina
Award-winning author of more than 40 popular books

“Hollcraft wonderfully displays the tapestry of Catholic life and evangelization by weaving solid Catholic teaching, its application to the modern world, and clearly expressed examples that bring out the light and shadows of this beautiful picture.”
Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J.
Author, television host, Senior Fellow of the St. Paul Center
for Biblical Theology

"In a world of burgeoning textbooks and media, the reminder that  catechesis is inescapably a personal task to which we are all called, through a cooperation with the redeeming and educative work of the Person of the Holy Trinity, is a timely and important one."
Dr. Petroc Willey
Professor of Catechetics, Franciscan University of Steubenville

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