Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, the 20th-century American theologian, radio orator and television pioneer, was officially beatified on September 24, during a historic Mass that drew tens of thousands of international pilgrims to Missouri.
The beatification rite took place at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, elevating the famous broadcaster to the title of “Blessed” before a gathering of roughly 50,000 faithful.
Radio Veritas Asia reported that Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Holy See’s Dicastery for Evangelisation, presided over the liturgy as the official papal legate.
Tagle declared that through papal authority, Venerable Fulton J. Sheen was officially elevated to the status of Blessed.
He praised Sheen as a “son of Illinois, son of the United States of America and indeed, son of the world” who utilised mass communications to spread Christian teachings.
Missionary zeal, humility highlighted
Cardinal Tagle emphasised that Sheen’s true legacy stemmed from his personal relationship with Christ rather than his television stardom.
“A missionary evangeliser is truly blessed, fortunate and happy because of the gift of communion with Jesus,” Tagle stated.
Tagle recounted how Sheen once humbly described his own life’s work.
“I have had some success as a porter,” Sheen had remarked, viewing himself as a humble servant opening doors for others. “Blessed are you, porter to the house of God,” Tagle added in tribute.
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Focus on service to the poor
The homily reflected on Sheen’s deep advocacy for global mission work and the marginalised.
Tagle recalled Sheen’s moving encounter with a leper in Uganda. There, the late archbishop realised that authentic evangelisation requires touching the suffering of others directly.
“Blessed is the evangeliser converted by beholding and touching the wounds of the risen Christ in wounded brothers and sisters,” Tagle noted. “Blessed is the missionary who digs deep into the heart of the poor to meet Jesus there.”
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