Fulton Sheen Beatified

After a seven-year hold, the moment for many Catholics has taken place in St. Louis. 50,000 gathered in the Dome at America’s Center to witness the Catholic Church’s great orator of the 20th Century be one step closer to sainthood. 50,000 strong were a part of the momentous occasion, and we’re from all ages.

The celebrant for the beatification was Cardinal Luis Tagle. He was joined by 1,000 priests, 89 bishops, and some hundreds of seminarians and deacons. In his homily, Cardinal Tagle reflected on Sheen’s life and why he was elevated to the level of blessed, which is a step closer to a canonized saint.

“It is for being a zealous and creative evangelizer, an advocate for mission that Fulton Sheen is called ‘blessed’ or ‘fortunate’ or ‘happy’… Blessed is the Evangelizer, converted by beholding and touching the wounds of the risen Christ in wounded brothers and sisters; blessed is the missionary who digs deep into the heart of the poor to meet Jesus there. Blessed Fulton J. Sheen!” Tagle proclaimed.

Tagle also reflected on Sheen’s “deep, humble relationship with Jesus Christ and his radical solidarity” with the poor and vulnerable that characterized his life as a missionary, one that all Catholics should emulate. He also noted that Sheen referred to himself as a “porter” who led people to the “open door of the house of God.”

During the Mass, James Fulton Engstrom, the newborn who survived after no heartbeat for 61 minutes, presented several relics of Sheen. Sheen’s intercession for Engstrom paved the way for his beatification.

So how long until Sheen is elevated to sainthood? It won’t be long, let’s say. According to a statement by Monsignor Jason Gray, Executive Director of the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Society, he announced that six purported miracles took place since 2019. All that this great son of the church needs is one miracle to be approved.

The beatification has happened. Now, the faithful await him to reach the altar of sainthood.