The Vatican has recently approved the beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen, a beloved figure in the Catholic community known for his popular radio and TV programs. This news has been met with great joy and excitement among Catholics worldwide.
Archbishop Sheen, who passed away in 1979 at the age of 82, was a prominent American bishop and theologian known for his dynamic and engaging preaching style. He reached millions of people through his radio and television shows, where he shared the teachings of the Catholic Church in a relatable and accessible manner.
His journey to sainthood began in 2002, when the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois, where Sheen was born, initiated the canonization process. In 2012, Pope Benedict XVI declared Sheen as “Venerable,” the first step towards sainthood. And now, after years of investigation and deliberation, the Vatican has recognized a miracle attributed to Sheen’s intercession, paving the way for his beatification.
The miracle in question took place in 2010 when a baby boy named James Fulton Engstrom, who was born lifeless, suddenly showed signs of life after his parents prayed for Sheen’s intercession. Doctors were unable to explain the sudden recovery, and the case was investigated by medical experts and theologians before being presented to the Vatican for approval. This miraculous healing has been deemed a result of Sheen’s intercession, solidifying his reputation as a holy and virtuous man.
The beatification ceremony is set to take place on December 21, 2019, in the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Peoria, Illinois. This event will mark a significant milestone in the canonization process, as Sheen will be given the title “Blessed,” and his feast day will be celebrated on December 9th, the date of his birth.
For Catholics, the beatification of Archbishop Sheen is a cause for celebration and a testament to his exemplary life. Throughout his ministry, Sheen touched the lives of countless people, spreading the message of God’s love and mercy. His teachings on faith, prayer, and social justice continue to inspire and guide Catholics today.
But Archbishop Sheen’s influence extends beyond the Catholic community. His charismatic persona and eloquent preaching captivated people of all faiths and backgrounds, making him a household name in the United States and beyond. His impact on popular culture was also significant, as he was one of the first religious figures to use television as a medium for evangelization.
The beatification of Archbishop Sheen not only honors his memory but also serves as a reminder of the power of faith and the potential for holiness in each of us. As Pope Francis said, “Sheen’s beatification reminds us that in our lives too, with God’s help, extraordinary things can be accomplished.”
Furthermore, Archbishop Sheen’s beatification is a beautiful example of the universal nature of the Catholic Church. Sheen’s legacy has reached far and wide, and his beatification will be celebrated by Catholics all over the world, demonstrating the unifying and unifying power of the Church.
In a world plagued by division and strife, the beatification of Archbishop Sheen serves as a beacon of hope and unity. His life and teachings continue to inspire us to live our faith boldly and to love one another as God loves us.
As we eagerly await the beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen, let us reflect on his words: “It takes three to make love, not two: you, your spouse, and God. Without God, the two of you would only have a relationship based on your own selfish interests. If you want your spouse to love you more, you should love God more.”
May his beatification be a reminder to us all to deepen our relationship with God and to love one another as He loves us. Let us give thanks for the life and legacy of Archbishop Fulton Sheen and pray for his continued intercession.
