Beatification Ceremony

Tens of thousands of Catholic worshippers gathered in St. Louis for Fulton Sheen's beatification ceremony.

James Engstrom's Miracle

James Engstrom, a 16-year-old Illinois teen, survived a near-death experience attributed to Sheen's prayers.

Beatification Process

The Catholic Church determined James' resuscitation was a miracle attributable to Sheen's prayers, qualifying him for beatification.

Ceremony Details

The ceremony took place at the Dome at America's Center after years of delays due to venue limitations in Sheen's home diocese.

James' Devotion

James Engstrom's mother chose Sheen as his patron after discovering his old videos, citing his Midwestern accent.

“He's like a local boy”

Catholic Devotees

Attendees included priests, bishops, families, and pilgrims who recalled watching Sheen's broadcasts.

Pope Leo XIV Connection

Pope Leo XIV, a fellow Illinoisan, praised Sheen as a model for evangelization and shared his influence.

“fellow Illinoisan”

Sheen's Legacy

Sheen's broadcasts and books inspired a revival in the American church, with many attendees citing his influence.

“There's just a revival in the American church as a whole”

Beatification Delay

The beatification was delayed for 16 years due to legal investigations into priest misconduct in New York.

Path to Sainthood

Sheen's beatification is one step closer to sainthood, with six more cases under investigation for potential miracles.

Future Steps

Peoria Bishop Louis Tylka expects Sheen's path to sainthood to be shorter with an Illinois-born pope who recognizes his influence.

“very much aware of who Sheen is and how he influenced his own life”