The Vatican announces the beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen on September 24 in St. Louis, celebrating his legacy of preaching, mission, and faith.
It’s an indescribable joy to receive the news from the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Causes of Saints that Archbishop Fulton Sheen, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies from 1950-1966, will be beatified on September 24 in St. Louis. He is an inspiration not only to all of us who continue his work of prayer and support for the Church’s missionary work across the globe but for all those whose faith has been strengthened by his preaching, broadcasting, writing, and holy Catholic life.
I’m also thrilled that Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the Pro-Prefect of the Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization to be the papal legate, celebrant and preacher of the beatification Mass. Not only is Cardinal Tagle, like Sheen, an incredibly gifted preacher, but he will no doubt be able to emphasize the contributions that soon to be Blessed Fulton Sheen made and in many ways continues to make to the Church’s mission work.
That the announcement was made on the Solemnity of the Annunciation is likewise very fitting. Archbishop Sheen spent his life continuing the work of the Archangel Gabriel, calling us to rejoice because the Lord is with us, and imitating the response of Mary in placing himself as a servant of the Lord, allowing his whole life to develop according to the Lord’s word. I can’t wait to be in St. Louis on September 24 celebrating with Catholics from across the states and the world.
Msgr. Roger Landry
National Director, The Pontifical Mission Societies USA
