What was Blessed Archbishop Fulton Sheen really like behind the scenes? Beyond his powerful sermons and television appearances, he was a loving family member, a bit of a matchmaker, and someone who couldn’t resist an Almond Joy candy bar!
On The Mark Swartzberg Show, Mark welcomed Rosemarie Holliger Costello, a cousin of Archbishop Sheen, who shared intimate memories of the beloved bishop and his remarkable influence on her family.
In fact, Rosemarie might not even exist if it weren’t for him! Archbishop Sheen met her mother, Yolanda, at a Lenten talk in Jersey City, where she regularly donated to the Propagation of the Faith. Impressed by her generosity, he introduced her to Rosemarie’s father at one of his telecasts.
The bishop encouraged their courtship, witnessed their engagement in his private chapel, and eventually celebrated their wedding at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Rosemarie fondly recalled his love for chocolate, especially Almond Joy bars. During trips to the airport, he would buy one, split it with her, and then purchase another for her to enjoy later.
But of all his habits, his daily Holy Hour stood out above everything else.
Whenever Archbishop Sheen visited, his schedule revolved around making sure he could spend an hour before the Blessed Sacrament.
Rosemarie remembered one particular visit when their parish church was locked. While her mother searched for a priest to open the doors, Archbishop Sheen walked with young Rosemarie, asking about her religion classes and what she was learning.
Eventually, they entered the church and prayed together.
“I think it was the first time I ever had a holy hour,” Rosemarie recalled. Behind the famous voice and extraordinary intellect was a man whose holiness began with a simple daily commitment to Jesus, and that experience awoke in her a love for Eucharistic Adoration.
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