Archbishop Fulton Sheen advances in his path to sainthood after captivating millions through television.
PEORIA, Ill. — A significant milestone is set to take place in the realm of Catholicism as the late Archbishop Fulton Sheen is poised for beatification, a process acknowledging his miracles and paving the way toward sainthood. This monumental event will occur on September 24, 2026, drawing the attention of thousands from the archbishop’s hometown and beyond.
Bonnie Engstrom, a resident of Washington, Illinois, believes that Archbishop Sheen played a crucial role in saving her son, James Fulton Engstrom, who was born in 2010 without a heartbeat. The Catholic Church has recognized the child’s resuscitation as a miracle, attributed to Sheen’s intercession after Engstrom and her family sought his heavenly support. This acknowledgment is pivotal as it qualifies Sheen for beatification, a significant step in the journey towards canonization as a saint.
The upcoming beatification ceremony, anticipated to attract tens of thousands of attendees, will take place in St. Louis, Missouri, due to the high volume of participants. Smaller events are also scheduled in Peoria, where Sheen’s tomb has become a site of pilgrimage for many.
Pope Leo XIV, a fellow Illinoisan, granted approval for Sheen’s beatification in February after years of delays, affirming Sheen’s lasting influence. As the first televangelist, Sheen reached millions through his television program, “Life is Worth Living,” during the 1950s, where he delivered moral and spiritual teachings.
Monsignor Jason Gray, executive director of the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation, highlighted Sheen’s enduring legacy, noting that his teachings resonate strongly in today’s world. The foundation, in collaboration with the Diocese of Peoria, is also advancing the expansion of the Sheen Museum, which features artifacts and memorabilia honoring the archbishop’s contributions to religious broadcasting.
In Engstrom’s case, her admiration for Sheen began during her pregnancy when she sought his intercessory prayers. The urgency of her prayers intensified during childbirth when doctors performed resuscitation efforts on James, who miraculously showed signs of life. Following this experience, Engstrom documented her son’s developmental milestones, leading to a formal investigation by the Church that confirmed the miraculous nature of his survival.
Sheen’s story resonates with many who have sought his intercession; Engstrom’s experience is not unique. Other families have shared similar accounts, attributing unexplained blessings to Sheen’s influence, further substantiating his legacy as a beacon of hope and faith.
Born in 1895 in El Paso, Illinois, Sheen dedicated his life to the Church, rising to prominence through his innovative use of media to spread the Catholic message. His life included notable achievements, such as fundraising for Catholic missions and engaging with both popes and world leaders.
As the date approaches, hopes are high that this beatification will ignite renewed support for Sheen’s canonization. Engstrom and others who have felt Sheen’s influence are ready to celebrate this pivotal moment in Catholic history. The ceremony not only honors the life of Fulton Sheen but also signifies the unyielding strength and faith within the Catholic community.
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