Fulton Sheen to be beatified in St. Louis after years of review
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In St. Louis, Missouri, Fulton Sheen, a Catholic bishop and media personality, will be beatified on Thursday after the Vatican determined he lived a life of “heroic virtue” and answered prayers through his intercession.
Sheen gained fame in the 1950s for winning an Emmy over prominent figures like Edward R. Murrow and for his television show, “Life Is Worth Living,” where he explained theology.
The Diocese of Peoria, Illinois, where Sheen was ordained, promoted his cause for sainthood, highlighting his dedication to daily prayer and encouraging others to do the same. Bonnie and Travis Engstrom shared how praying for Sheen’s intercession appeared to save their son James’ life after he was born without a heartbeat. Doctors confirmed James had gone without a heartbeat for one hour and one minute, a fact that strengthened the Engstroms’ belief in a miracle.
The Vatican meticulously investigated the claim, verifying it lacked a medical explanation and attributing it to Sheen. Sheen’s path to beatification faced obstacles, including a legal dispute over his remains between the Archdiocese of New York and his niece, and a pause to investigate allegations of sexual abuse, though the investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing.
Organizers anticipate 50,000 people will attend the beatification Mass, reflecting Sheen’s lasting influence on Catholic media and spirituality, with the event broadcast by EWTN and livestreamed by the Diocese of Peoria.
