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Beatification and legacy of Blessed Fulton J. Sheen

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2026-10-03 15:56 UTC → 2026-10-07 15:53 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The beatification process for Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, a prominent figure in American Catholicism known for his radio and television ministry, progressed through scheduled ceremonies and exhibitions in September 2026. On September 24, 2026, Sheen was formally beatified in St. Louis, Missouri, becoming the first American bishop to be declared ‘Blessed’. The beatification followed the Vatican’s recognition of a miracle involving the resuscitation of James Fulton Engstrom. Following the ceremony, Bishop Louis Tylka of the Diocese of Peoria announced that the Blessed Fulton Sheen Parish will be established through the merger of Santa Maria in El Paso and San Juan in Benson. The merger, prompted by a shortage of priests, is scheduled for December 9, the liturgical feast day of the new Blessed. Additionally, an icon was introduced depicting Sheen with both a Roman miter and a Byzantine episcopal crown to symbolize his connection to Eastern Catholic churches. In early October 2026, a first-class relic of Sheen arrived at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Midtown Manhattan for permanent veneration. Archbishop Ronald Hicks described the arrival as a ‘homecoming,’ noting Sheen’s history as an auxiliary bishop in New York. Concurrently, a lost audio recording of a 1977 homily delivered by Sheen at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark has resurfaced. This discovery also led to the identification of the chasuble Sheen wore during that Mass, which is now regarded as a second-class relic. On October 5, 2026, Bishop Tylka met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican to present a relic of Sheen. During the audience, Tylka advocated for Sheen’s canonization, citing reports of up to six purported miracles. Pope Leo XIV, who described Sheen as a ‘light of faith, hope and love,’ noted a personal connection to the late bishop, recalling watching his broadcasts during his childhood.

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