The Vatican announced that Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen will be beatified on September 24 in St. Louis.
Archbishop Sheen “is an inspiration not only to all of us who continue his work of prayer and support for the Church’s missionary work across the globe, but for all those whose faith has been strengthened by his preaching, broadcasting, writing, and holy Catholic life,” Monsignor Roger Landry, national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies U.S., told EWTN News.
Bishop Louis Tylka of the Diocese of Peoria said the Mass for the beatification of Archbishop Sheen will take place at 2 p.m. CDT at The Dome at America’s Center, a stadium in St. Louis.
“With anticipation of a great number of people wanting to participate, we chose this location because of availability, being indoors, and the close proximity to the Diocese of Peoria,” he said.
The Holy See officially informed Bishop Tylka that the cause for Archbishop Sheen could proceed to beatification in February, following years of challenges and delays.
On March 25, the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Causes of Saints announced the “indescribable joy” that Archbishop Sheen, “national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies from 1950-1966, will be beatified on September 24 in St. Louis,” Msrg. Landry said.
Peter John Sheen was born in El Paso, IL, on May 8, 1895, and was called “Fulton” in honor of his mother’s maiden name. Sheen was ordained a priest of the Peoria Diocese on September 20, 1919.
On June 11, 1951, he was consecrated as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of New York and remained in the position until 1966. He was then named the bishop of Rochester, NY, until his retirement in 1969 at the age of 74.
He became known as a trailblazer for television evangelization with his Emmy-winning show “Life Is Worth Living.” The show aired on television from 1952 until 1957, discussing morality and Catholicism.
Archbishop Sheen died due to heart disease on December 9, 1979.
Archbishop Sheen’s cause for canonization was first opened in 2002 under the leadership of the Diocese of Peoria, Archbishop Sheen’s birthplace, and from then on he was referred to as a servant of God. Pope Benedict XVI declared him venerable in June 2012.
On March 6, 2014, the board of medical experts who advise the then-Congregation for the Causes of Saints unanimously approved a reported miracle of Archbishop Sheen’s, in which a stillborn baby survived due to his intercession.
Pope Francis approved of the miracle of Archbishop Sheen’s on July 5, 2019.
