# Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen: evangelist for the modern age

> A philosopher-priest who used radio and television to reach millions with the Gospel is set for beatification in 2026.
- Title: Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen: evangelist for the modern age
- Summary: A philosopher-priest who used radio and television to reach millions with the Gospel is set for beatification in 2026. Sheen proved that intellectual rigor…
- Keywords: archbishop fulton j. sheen, beatification, catholic church, evangelization, radio broadcasting, television, the catholic hour, life is worth living, second vatican council, propagation of the faith, diocese of peoria, archdiocese of new york
- Source: Vaticannews — https://vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-09/who-was-archbishop-fulton-sheen-jason-gray-beatification.html
- Author: Vatican News
- Published: 2026-09-24T09:22:07.056+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: archbishop fulton j. sheen, beatification, catholic church, evangelization, radio broadcasting, television, the catholic hour, life is worth living, second vatican council, propagation of the faith, diocese of peoria, archdiocese of new york
## A priest for modern times
Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen was a philosopher, theologian, and bishop who used radio and television to preach the Gospel to millions. He combined intellectual brilliance with spiritual conviction and a gift for making faith clear and compelling.
## From Illinois to priesthood
Born Peter John Sheen on May 8, 1895, in El Paso, Illinois, he was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Peoria on September 20, 1919. His superiors recognized his gifts and sent him to Europe for advanced studies.
## Doctorate in philosophy
In 1923, Sheen earned a doctorate in philosophy from the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium. His academic formation in Church tradition prepared him for a lifelong apostolate of teaching and evangelization.
## Prayer as the foundation
Sheen maintained a daily Holy Hour before the Eucharist from the day of his ordination, calling it the hour that makes my day. This practice of prayer was essential to his priestly identity and the fruitfulness of his ministry.

> the hour that makes my day
## The Catholic Hour reaches millions
Beginning in 1930, Sheen presented The Catholic Hour, a radio program that brought Catholic teaching into homes throughout the United States. His clear reasoning and engaging delivery attracted an audience of more than 4 million people.
## Author of 66 books
Sheen published 66 books throughout his life, with Life of Christ regarded as one of his most inspired contributions. His literary works developed alongside his broadcasting career, making faith accessible to readers everywhere.
## Television evangelist reaches 30 million
In 1951, Sheen began Life Is Worth Living, a television program using a simple set and chalkboard to address faith, morality, and human dignity. The show captivated more than 30 million viewers with his philosophical arguments, humor, and storytelling.
## Vatican Council and final years
Sheen participated as a Father of the Second Vatican Council, meeting future popes Karol Wojtyla and Joseph Ratzinger. He was appointed Bishop of Rochester in 1966 and retired in 1969 as an Archbishop, spending his remaining years writing and in prayer.
## A miracle and beatification
Sheen died on December 9, 1979. His Cause was opened in 2002, and in 2010 a child born without heartbeat or respiration was revived after 61 minutes to perfect health. Pope Francis approved the miracle in 2019, and beatification is set for September 24, 2026, in St. Louis.
## Pope John Paul's final blessing
Two months before his death, Pope John Paul II greeted Sheen during an apostolic visit to New York. The Pope said, You have written and spoken well of the Lord Jesus Christ. You are a loyal son of the Church.

> You have written and spoken well of the Lord Jesus Christ. You are a loyal son of the Church.
## Key takeaway

Sheen proved that intellectual rigor and spiritual depth could be communicated clearly to ordinary people through modern media, making faith accessible and compelling.