Today, September 24, the Catholic Church is set to celebrate the beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen in St. Louis, recognizing a priest and bishop who used the powerful media of his time to bring the Gospel to millions. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle is scheduled to preside at the beatification Mass as Pope Leo XIV’s representative. Following the rite, Sheen will be known as Blessed Fulton J. Sheen.
A MEDIA PIONEER WHO TURNED COMMUNICATION INTO EVANGELIZATION
Born in Illinois in 1895 and ordained a priest in 1919, Sheen became one of the most influential Catholic communicators of the 20th century. Through radio, television, writing and preaching, he found ways to speak about Christ in language ordinary people could understand. His “Catholic Hour” reached millions, while “Life Is Worth Living” made him a familiar presence in American homes.
BISHOP BARRON SAYS SHEEN OPENED THE DOOR TO THE WORLD
But Bishop Robert Barron emphasized that Sheen’s greatest strength was not his communication talent — it was his friendship with Jesus Christ. At vespers in St. Louis on the eve of today’s beatification, Barron highlighted Sheen’s lifelong Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament, his deep devotion to Mary and his willingness to recognize his own need for redemption.
Sheen understood that every new form of communication could become a doorway to Christ. And that mission remains alive today: to speak the ancient Gospel with a heart on fire, using every available means to lead people toward Jesus.
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