The beatification of Fulton Sheen (1895-1979), auxiliary bishop of New York (1951-1966) and bishop of Rochester (1966-1969), is scheduled for September 24 in St. Louis, Missouri, a city bordering Illinois where he was born. The Mass will be presided over by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, representing Pope Leo XIV, a compatriot of Sheen, who finally set the date for a ceremony that had been scheduled and suspended in 2019, even after Pope Francis recognized a miracle attributed to his intercession. Benedict XVI had proclaimed him venerable in 2012.
A Path to the Altars
The bishop of Peoria, the diocese to which the town of El Paso belonged—the birthplace of the future blessed—is Louis Tylka. He has firsthand knowledge of the unusual difficulties that surrounded the beatification a few years ago. One of his missions upon assuming that office—he was appointed coadjutor in 2020 and became ordinary in 2022—is fulfilled by putting an end to them with the impetus from Rome. Fulton Sheen, according to Monsignor Tylka in a video recorded to promote the event, “was one of the greatest voices of evangelization in the 20th century.” Immensely devoted to the Blessed Virgin and the Eucharist, through “his preaching, his teaching, and his missionary work” he converted people in a very personal way.
A Legacy of Faith and Communication
That famous bishop was known throughout the United States and the world for his role in evangelization through radio and mass-distributed television recordings. He became “an example for all of us,” highlights Monsignor Tylka, that “holiness can grow from humble beginnings and reach the whole world.” That is what happened, as he became known worldwide and saw his books published in multiple languages, including Spanish. “His example inspires each of us to live with that same faith, courage, and love for Jesus Christ,” adds the bishop of Peoria.
Preparations and Pilgrimage
The Diocese of Peoria has announced a large number of events planned to prepare for the beatification. They will begin days before, conceived as a “pilgrimage” that is “a spiritual experience centered on prayer, reflection, and celebration,” and include events in Peoria and St. Louis. It is, they note, “an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of a remarkable spiritual leader and grow in faith alongside pilgrims from around the world.” Thousands of people will attend the beatification, but millions will begin to pray to Fulton Sheen with the ‘certificate’ granted on September 24.
Original source: www.religionenlibertad.com (published April 28, 2026)
