Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, a native of Illinois and a pioneering figure in religious broadcasting, will be beatified on September 24 in St. Louis, marking a significant milestone on the path to sainthood in the Catholic Church. The beatification Mass will take place at the Dome at America’s Center and is expected to draw tens of thousands of worshippers.
Born Peter John Sheen on May 8, 1895, in El Paso, Illinois, he adopted his mother’s maiden name, Fulton, and rose from humble beginnings on a central Illinois farm to become a nationally recognized evangelist. Sheen gained widespread acclaim in the 1950s for his Emmy Award-winning television program “Life Is Worth Living,” which combined scripture, catechism, and humor and captivated audiences across religious backgrounds. His follow-up series, “The Fulton Sheen Program,” also drew large viewership throughout the 1960s. Beyond broadcasting, he authored more than 60 books, including the bestselling “Peace of Soul.”
Sheen’s influence extended internationally, with figures such as Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV recalling how Sheen’s broadcasts inspired him in childhood. During a June address, the pontiff described Sheen as “a light of faith, hope and love” that reached millions through media.
The canonical process toward Sheen’s beatification encountered delays, notably after an initial ceremony scheduled for 2019 was postponed due to concerns involving clergy sexual abuse investigations in New York. Although no allegations were made against Sheen, questions arose regarding his handling of abuse claims while serving as bishop in Rochester, New York, in the late 1960s. After thorough review, church officials determined that these concerns did not justify further postponement.
Sheen’s beatification was further supported by the recognition of a miracle attributed to his intercession: the extraordinary recovery of James Fulton Engstrom, a baby from near Peoria who was reportedly unresponsive for 61 minutes at birth. Pope Francis acknowledged this healing in 2019, meeting a crucial requirement for beatification. Engstrom and his family plan to attend the upcoming ceremony, where James will present a relic of Sheen.
Leading up to the beatification, several events are scheduled in Peoria, where Sheen was ordained a priest on September 20, 1919, at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception. The Diocese of Peoria has organized commemorative Masses and celebrations marking his ordination anniversary.
Bishop Louis Tylka of Peoria expressed optimism about the occasion, calling it a moment of inspiration and grace for the church community. He noted that while canonization requires the verification of a second miracle after beatification, many already regard Sheen as a saint in spirit.
Throughout his life, Sheen was known for his commitment to prayer, dedicating an hour daily to what he called his “holy hour.” He also actively supported Catholic missions worldwide, often donating his broadcasting earnings directly to the church. His anti-communist stance and solidarity with persecuted Eastern Bloc Christians were notable aspects of his ministry.
Sheen’s legacy as a televangelist who reached millions with messages of faith, charity, and hope continues to resonate decades after his death in 1979, as the Catholic Church prepares to formally recognize him as “Blessed Fulton Sheen.”