The Diocese of Peoria, Illinois, this month announced the event schedule for the beatification of Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen, who was ordained a priest in Peoria in 1919 and will be proclaimed “Blessed” this September in Saint Louis.
“This is a momentous occasion not only for our diocese, but for the Church in the United States and throughout the world,” Peoria Bishop Louis Tylka said in a press release. “The Beatification of Archbishop Sheen is a recognition of a life lived in heroic virtue — a life that brought countless souls closer to Jesus Christ through preaching, teaching, and witness.”
“For many, he was a familiar voice on television and radio; for all of us, he remains a powerful example of what it means to live the Gospel with clarity, courage, and love,” the bishop added. “This celebration is not simply about honoring his legacy — it is an invitation for each of us to deepen our own relationship with Christ.”
As Zeale News previously reported, the beatification was originally scheduled to take place in 2019 but. was postponed weeks before the ceremony following a request for further investigation into his ministry. The diocese announced earlier this year that the beatification would move forward, prompting a joyous moment for many who have been waiting years for the news.
His beatification Mass is set for 2 p.m. local time Sept. 24 at the Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, according to a full schedule now available through the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation. The Mass will be livestreamed, and tickets are required to attend in person. Before Mass, a special show begins at 10 a.m., and Confession and Adoration will also be available. Following the Mass, there will be a relic available for veneration from 4 to 6 p.m.
The foundation also explains why he will be beatified on Sept. 24, the feast of Our Lady of Mercy.
“Archbishop Sheen often spoke of his love for the Blessed Mother and his desire to die on a feast associated with Our Lady,” it states. “It is fitting that his Beatification will take place on a date connected with Mary.”
The night before, on Sept. 23, vespers will be prayed at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis as part of the occasion. Tickets are required to attend that event also.
In the Diocese of Peoria, from Sept. 15 to Sept. 23, there will be a nine-day novena of Holy Hours at the Cathedral of St. Mary. On Sept. 20, there will be an anniversary Mass of Venerable Sheen’s ordination at the cathedral at 3pm, with tickets required.
On Sept. 25, the day after the beatification in St. Louis, there will be several Masses of Thanksgiving celebrated at various local churches in Peoria. The same day at 6pm at the Peoria Civic Center, there will be an award gala, for which tickets are required. Finally, on Sept. 26, there will be a Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated in the Byzantine Rite at the cathedral.
The foundation is encouraging the faithful who are attending events in Peoria to make the journey a pilgrimage, not just a trip.
“Whether you come for a day or the entire week, this is an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of a remarkable spiritual leader and grow in faith alongside pilgrims from around the world,” the foundation stated. “Enter into prayer, community, and celebration as we mark this historic moment in the life of the Church.”
>> EXCLUSIVE: Inside the Fulton Sheen beatification announcement with Msgr. Jason Gray <<