The Diocese of Peoria has released the official programme for the beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, scheduled for September 24 in St Louis, marking a milestone for the Catholic Church in the United States and drawing expected pilgrims from across North America. The multi-day observances will honour a priest and bishop whose influence on religious broadcasting and public preaching made him one of the most recognisable Catholic figures of the 20th century.
The beatification Mass will take place at The Dome at America’s Center in St Louis, with preparatory and concluding events held in Peoria, where Fulton J. Sheen was ordained in 1919 and later served as bishop. According to Louis Tylka, the programme has been designed as a spiritual pilgrimage centred on prayer, catechesis and public devotion rather than a single ceremony.
