The Catholic Church is preparing for a moment of extraordinary grace, joy, and historic significance: the Beatification of Peoria’s Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. On Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, tens of thousands will gather at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis for a celebration that promises to be both deeply spiritual and truly unforgettable.

This long-awaited moment has stirred excitement across Central Illinois, the country, and beyond. For decades, Archbishop Sheen — renowned for his powerful preaching, missionary zeal, and ability to communicate the Gospel through media — has inspired tens of millions. Now, the Church will formally recognize his holiness by raising him to the rank of “Blessed,” bringing Archbishop Sheen one final step closer to canonization.

The announcement of his Beatification came on March 25, the Solemnity of the Annunciation. Though Archbishop Sheen’s roots are in Peoria, as that is where he was ordained and is buried (he died in 1979), St. Louis was chosen to accommodate the largest number of pilgrims. The Dome has hosted nearly 100,000 people before, including for Pope John Paul II’s 1999 visit.

The Beatification Mass begins at 2 p.m., but the celebration extends beyond a single day. From Sept. 20–26, a week-long Archbishop Sheen Pilgrimage in Peoria will offer prayer, reflection, and community. Pilgrims can visit holy sites, attend liturgies and talks, pray at Archbishop Sheen’s tomb, and join Catholics from around the world in this meaningful journey of faith.

At the heart of the celebration is the Beatification Mass itself, a sacred and moving liturgy. The Rite of Beatification takes place at the beginning of the Mass. A biography of Archbishop Sheen will be read, followed by the Apostolic Letter from Pope Leo XIV, officially declaring him “Blessed.” This declaration will be proclaimed first in Latin and then in English. A newly commissioned image of Blessed Sheen, adorned with a halo, will be revealed, and a relic will be presented for veneration. After a hymn of thanksgiving, the Mass continues in celebration, honoring the Church’s newest Blessed.

The date itself — Sept. 24 — also carries deep Marian significance. It is the feast of Our Lady of Mercy. Archbishop Sheen had a profound devotion to the Blessed Mother and often expressed his desire to die on a Marian feast day. That his Beatification falls on a day honoring Mary is seen by many as a beautiful and fitting providence.

The miracle attributable to Archbishop Sheen’s intercession occurred in 2010 when a baby in Central Illinois was born lifeless. For 61 minutes, the child didn’t breathe. Then, as doctors were about to declare him dead, he suddenly began breathing. Today, James Fulton Engstrom is healthy. This miracle was rigorously reviewed and officially recognized by Pope Francis in 2019. Another miracle attributable to Archbishop Sheen will then make him a Saint.

All of this makes the Beatification of Archbishop Sheen not just an event, but a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It is a chance to witness history, to celebrate holiness, and to be renewed in faith. It is an invitation to celebrate and rejoice in the life of a man who reminded the world that “life is worth living,” and to marvel at how God continues to inspire witnesses of His love in every generation.

For more information, including tickets, go to celebratesheen.com.

Watch now! Stillborn didn’t breathe for 61 minutes: The miracle story attributed to Fulton Sheen
Embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqR3VX9p_pc&t=7s