Officer schedule of events The beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen has been announced by the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois.
Bishop Lewis Tylka of the Diocese of Peoria said in a statement, “I am filled with deep gratitude and great joy as we announce the events surrounding the long-awaited beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.” Press release. “This is a momentous occasion not only for our diocese but for the Church in the United States and around the world.”
The events will begin on Sept. 20, the anniversary of Sheen’s ordination, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria.
The events will take place in St. Louis from September 23-24. Vespers at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis will take place on September 23, followed by a Beatification Mass at The Dome at America’s Center on September 24. Before the Beatification Mass, the faithful will be able to participate in adoration and confession. After the Mass, a relic of Sheen will be available for veneration.
website The Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation says the choice to hold the beatification in St. Louis was “motivated by the desire to include the largest number of people possible.”
While the largest venue in Peoria can seat only 15,000 people, The Dome at America Center – which hosted the papal visit of Pope John Paul II in 1999 – has a capacity of 100,000. St. Louis is also within reasonable driving distance from Peoria, taking about two and a half hours.
The events will then return to Peoria on Sept. 25 with a vote of thanks, parish talks and an awards ceremony. The festivities will conclude on September 26 with a Byzantine-rite Mass of thanksgiving at the Cathedral of St. Mary.
Believers are also encouraged to participate in a nine-day novena starting on September 15.
Tylka explained that each event “has been thoughtfully planned as part of a pilgrimage to help us enter more deeply into the spiritual richness of the occasion and encounter the Lord in a meaningful way.”
He added: “The Beatification Mass itself will be the central moment of this holy season, but it is surrounded by opportunities for formation, fellowship and prayer that we hope will touch hearts and inspire renewed faith. The events following the Beatification Mass in Peoria, including thanksgiving and presentations, allow us to continue to reflect on Archbishop Sheen’s gift and how his witness calls us forward as missionary disciples. Will allow.”
Tylka said, “I am truly grateful to the many individuals and teams who have worked tirelessly to prepare for this moment, and I very much look forward to welcoming pilgrims from near and far.” “My hope is that through this beatification, many people will know more deeply the love of Jesus Christ, will be renewed in their faith, and will be inspired to live their lives as joyful witnesses of the gospel.”
