In the acquisition of an autographed letter, not only is the signature of importance, but also the subject matter of the content. In this letter, it is Bishop Sheen’s reference to the II Vatican Council and his participation in it that contribute to the value of this item.

This is a very gracious response to a university professor who has requested an article for a publication. In the correspondence, Bishop Sheen declines the invitation, because he is so busy with preparations for the II Vatican Council as well as with his many other projects.

Here is the text of the letter:

My dear Professor Ellis:

You have honored me by your kind invitation to
contribute an article to the December issue of the Teachers College Journal.

I am in the midst of a tremendous amount of work preparatory to the Council, as well as a series of telecasts, which co not permit me the leisure necessary for additional writing before leaving in a few weeks for Rome. In your charity I am certain you will understand and hold me excused.

Wishing you every blessing and assuring you of my prayers, I remain

Faithfully yours in Christ,
Bishop Fulton J. Sheen
National Director