| Born | May 8, 1895 — El Paso, Illinois |
| Died | December 9, 1979 — New York City |
| Beatified | September 24, 2026 — St. Louis, Missouri |
| Beatified By | Pope Leo XIV |
| Feast Day | December 9 |
| Buried | Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Peoria, Illinois |
| Also Known As | “America’s Archbishop,” “The Servant of God” |
Early Life & Formation
Fulton Sheen was born to a family of farmers in El Paso, Illinois. Christened Peter John, he later became known by his mother’s maiden name, “Fulton.”
After studying at parochial schools in Peoria and attending St. Viator’s College in Kankakee, Illinois, Sheen was ordained a priest at St. Mary’s Cathedral in the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois, in 1919.
He then studied at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and graduated as an associate professor of philosophy in 1925 from the University of Louvain in Belgium.
Then-Father Sheen earned a doctorate in theology at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas — “the Angelicum” — in Rome after studying there from 1923–1924.
Scholar & Professor
For more than 20 years, from 1927 until 1950, Sheen taught theology and philosophy at The Catholic University of America — the only pontifical university in the U.S. He wrote more than 60 books, more than half of which were published during his time as a professor.
Media Pioneer for the Faith
Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen (1895–1979) was one of the Catholic Church’s most effective communicators in the twentieth century — known for explaining the Catholic faith with charity and a joyful confidence centered in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Sheen is known to many American Catholics through his beloved television program in the 1950s, Life Is Worth Living, which ran on the DuMont Television Network (1952–1955) and on ABC (1955–1957), and through other similar programs between 1958 and 1968.
Behind the fame, the thousands of letters from fans, and even the 1953 Primetime Emmy Award for Most Outstanding Personality, was a man who dedicated himself to Christ in prayer every day.
In 1935, Pius XI summoned Sheen to Rome for a private audience at the height of Sheen’s fame from his NBC radio show “The Catholic Hour.”
Episcopal Ministry
On May 28, 1951, Pope Pius XII appointed Sheen auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of New York. He received his episcopal consecration at the Basilica of Sts. John and Paul on June 11, 1951.
Pope St. Paul VI named him bishop of Rochester, New York, in 1966. Upon Sheen’s retirement in 1969, Pope Paul named him a titular archbishop.
He also served as the national director for the Propagation of the Faith (1950–1966), advancing the Church’s missionary efforts around the world.
The Secret of His Holiness
He knew he had to help lead souls to encounter Jesus himself, which is why he made a daily hour in front of the Blessed Sacrament for fifty-five years, and also why he encouraged adoration of the Eucharistic Lord and reverent reception of Christ in Holy Communion.
He contributed his entire salary to missionary activity in the Church.
Sheen’s mother consecrated him to Mary after his baptism, and he dedicated himself to her at his first Communion. He had a devotion to Mary for the rest of his life and made great theological contributions to the study of Mary.
Converts & Evangelization
Throughout his priesthood, Fulton Sheen had a seemingly unquenchable appetite for making converts to the Catholic faith. He famously offered to give anyone who asked instruction in the faith, and the list of converts attributed to him is lengthy and includes well-known cultural and political figures.
Death & Burial
Archbishop Fulton Sheen died on December 9, 1979, after a long struggle with heart disease in New York City. Multiple accounts testify that he died praying before his Eucharistic Lord Jesus in his private chapel. Given his love for the Blessed Mother, it was also fitting that he died the day after the Solemnity of her Immaculate Conception.
His tomb is at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Peoria, Illinois, located in a side chapel.
Path to Beatification
Sheen’s cause for canonization was first opened in 2002 under the leadership of the Diocese of Peoria, 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.
The miracle surrounding Sheen’s intercession dates back to a terrifying home delivery. Born without a pulse or a heartbeat, the infant remained technically dead for 61 harrowing minutes. As emergency responders transferred the baby from home to the hospital, doctors exhausted every medical effort to revive him. Throughout the ordeal, the child’s devout parents — who held a deep devotion to Sheen — begged the legendary archbishop for his heavenly intercession, rallying others to join them in prayer. The child, James Fulton Engstrom, survived and thrived — a miracle confirmed by the Church.
On September 24, 2026, before a crowd of tens of thousands at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, the farm-boy-turned-mass-media star was declared “blessed” after the reading of a decree signed by Pope Leo XIV, a fellow Midwesterner.
An estimated 50,000 people, including 89 bishops and 1,000 priests, attended the Mass of beatification.
Archbishop Fulton Sheen is the first U.S.-born bishop to be beatified.
Feast Day
Pope Leo announced Blessed Sheen’s feast day will be on December 9, the anniversary of his death. That date also marks the first apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe to St. Juan Diego in 1531
Who was Fulton Sheen?
Fulton J. Sheen (1895–1979) was a renowned American Catholic bishop, evangelist, author, and television/radio personality. He became famous for his program “Life Is Worth Living”, which brought Catholic teaching to millions.
His Path to Sainthood
The Catholic canonization process generally follows these stages:
- Servant of God – cause officially opened
- Venerable – heroic virtues recognized
- Blessed – after beatification
- Saint – after canonization
Fulton Sheen was declared “Venerable” by the Vatican in 2012 under Pope Benedict XVI.
Beatification Status
After years of delays involving legal and procedural matters, the Vatican announced that Archbishop Fulton Sheen is scheduled to be beatified on September 24, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri.
Beatification means he may be publicly honored in certain places and contexts as “Blessed Fulton Sheen.”
Miracle Recognized
A medically unexplained healing involving an infant from Illinois was approved as the miracle attributed to Fulton Sheen’s intercession.
The reported case involved James Fulton Engstrom, a baby born without detectable signs of life who later recovered after prayers seeking Sheen’s intercession.
Why Fulton Sheen Matters
He is remembered for:
- Powerful Catholic preaching and evangelization
- Television and radio ministry
- Strong devotion to the Eucharist and Marian spirituality
- Defense of the Catholic faith in modern media
One of his well-known quotes:
“There are not one hundred people in the United States who hate the Catholic Church, but there are millions who hate what they wrongly believe to be the Catholic Church.”
Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen is set to be beatified on September 24, 2026, at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis — a long-awaited and historic moment for the Church. Here are the two main official prayers associated with his cause, both bearing an imprimatur from the Diocese of Peoria:
The Celebrity Priest Who Couldn’t Be Bought
https://youtu.be/YL77iqIRMy0
Prayer for Canonization
(For asking God to raise Archbishop Sheen to sainthood)
Heavenly Father, source of all holiness, You raise up within the Church in every age men and women who serve with heroic love and dedication. You have blessed Your Church through the life and ministry of Your faithful servant, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. He has written and spoken well of Your Divine Son, Jesus Christ, and was a true instrument of the Holy Spirit in touching the hearts of countless people. If it be according to Your Will, for the glory of the Most Holy Trinity and for the salvation of souls, we ask You to move the Church to proclaim him a saint. We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Imprimatur: +Most Reverend Daniel R. Jenky, C.S.C., Bishop of Peoria
Prayer to Obtain a Favor Through His Intercession
(For a personal petition or need)
Eternal Father, You alone grant us every blessing in Heaven and on earth, through the redemptive mission of Your Divine Son, Jesus Christ, and by the working of the Holy Spirit. If it be according to Your Will, glorify Your servant, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, by granting the favor I now request through his prayerful intercession (mention your request here). I make this prayer confidently through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Imprimatur: +Most Reverend Daniel R. Jenky, C.S.C., Bishop of Peoria
Prayer for the Canonization of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen
Heavenly Father,
source of all holiness,
You have given Your Church the example of
Your servant Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.
He labored joyfully in Your vineyard,
bringing the truth of the Gospel to countless souls.
Grant that we, inspired by his zeal and wisdom,
may follow his example of faith and love.
If it be Your will,
may he be numbered among Your saints,
and may we receive the favor we ask through his intercession.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for Holiness and Evangelization
Lord Jesus,
You called Archbishop Fulton Sheen
to proclaim Your Word with courage and clarity.
Grant that we may imitate his devotion to the Eucharist,
his love for Mary, and his passion for saving souls.
Make us instruments of Your truth and mercy
in our homes, schools, and communities.
Amen.
Prayer for Priests and Preachers
O Lord,
You inspired Your servant Fulton Sheen
to speak with wisdom and joy.
Bless all priests and preachers
that they may teach with the same love and conviction.
May their words bring hearts to repentance
and souls to Your Sacred Heart.
Amen.
Reflection
Archbishop Sheen reminded the world:
“The greatest love story of all time is contained in a tiny white Host.”
His life teaches that holiness and communication can coexist — that truth, beauty, and humor can lead souls to God.
Catholic Prayer for the Intercession of Fulton J. Sheen
Eternal Father,
You alone grant us every blessing
in Heaven and on earth,
through the redemptive mission of Your Divine Son, Jesus Christ,
and by the working of the Holy Spirit.
If it be according to Your Will,
glorify Your servant Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen,
by granting the favor I now request through his prayerful intercession:
(mention your intention here)
I make this prayer confidently through Jesus Christ, Our Lord.
Amen.
Prayer for Holy Courage and Evangelization
Lord Jesus Christ,
through the example of Archbishop Fulton Sheen,
help us to proclaim the Truth with courage,
defend the Catholic Faith with love,
and bring souls closer to Your Sacred Heart.
Give us wisdom in a confused world,
purity in our hearts,
and zeal for the salvation of souls.
May we never be ashamed of the Gospel
and always trust in Your Divine Mercy.
Amen.
When Fulton Sheen Came to Hawaii | National Catholic Register
https://www.ncregister.com/commentaries/when-fulton-sheen-came-to-dinner
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