January 1, Archbishop Sheen Moves Closer to Sainthood

Wyatt’s Take

• The Vatican is moving Archbishop Fulton Sheen toward sainthood.
• Sheen was cleared for beatification, one step below canonization.
• A miracle is credited to prayers for his help, impressing many faithful.

The Vatican has given the green light for Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen’s beatification. Sheen was a well-known TV preacher in the 1950s, reaching millions with his show.

Bishop Louis Tylka from Peoria, Illinois, announced the approval. Beatification is a big step toward sainthood, meaning Sheen can now be called “Blessed” and honored publicly in certain places.

“Beatification opens the door for local honor, while canonization opens it for the whole world, recognizing a saint as being in heaven with God,” Tylka said.

To reach this stage, the Church must see heroic virtue and a proven miracle. Pope Benedict XVI called Sheen “venerable” in 2012. Pope Francis confirmed a miracle in 2019: a stillborn baby came back to life after the family prayed to Sheen, according to EWTN News.

“Archbishop Fulton Sheen was one of the greatest voices of evangelization in the Church and the world in the 20th century,” Tylka continued. “His ability to share the Gospel and truly relate to people drew countless souls into an encounter with Jesus.”

Sheen died in 1979. His path to sainthood was held up for years over a dispute about where to lay his body to rest and over questions during his time as Bishop of Rochester. After careful review, no wrongdoing was found, and his case moved forward.

This journey shows that faith, persistence, and trust in the process pay off in the end.

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Wyatt Matters

Stories like this remind us that determination and belief can overcome manmade roadblocks, reflecting the values held dear in the heartland.