The beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen is officially scheduled for September 24, 2026, in St. Louis at The Dome at America’s Center. After beatification, he will be known as “Blessed Fulton Sheen.”
Key details:
- Date: September 24, 2026
- Location: The Dome at America’s Center, St. Louis, Missouri
- Presider: Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, representing Pope Leo XIV at the Mass
- Status afterward: He will receive the title “Blessed”, the step before sainthood (canonization).
Why this is significant:
- Sheen was declared Venerable in 2012 after recognition of heroic virtue.
- In 2019, a miracle attributed to his intercession was approved, clearing the way for beatification.
- A previously planned beatification in 2019 was postponed and later allowed to proceed after additional review.
For official event details and updates:
Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation – Beatification Information
Many Catholics expect that once beatified, a liturgical feast day may later be assigned—often connected to the date of death (December 9, 1979)—though that would be determined officially by the Church after beatification and further steps toward canonization
The Beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen is a major event in the Catholic Church recognizing his heroic virtue and moving him closer to sainthood.
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:
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.
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