Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Honored by the White House
The White House paid tribute to Catholic Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen on the day he was beatified, marking an important step toward his potential canonization as a saint.
A statement released on September 24 highlighted Sheen as a pivotal figure who “pioneered the use of media to speak the truth, preach the Gospel, and bring many souls closer to Christ.”
It noted, “On his show, Archbishop Sheen lectured before a live audience on an array of theological, philosophical, and political topics.” He became a household name, known for appearing in striking priestly attire while utilizing just a chalk stick and blackboard. The statement praised his role in bringing Christian teachings to audiences during a time when communism posed a significant threat.
Sheen’s influence extended beyond the church; he astonished the entertainment world by outpacing icons like Milton Berle and Frank Sinatra in viewership ratings. He won an Emmy award for Most Outstanding Television Personality and even graced the cover of Time magazine. His witty and insightful presentations filled living rooms across America and led many—including politicians, celebrities, and even communist leaders—to embrace the Catholic faith.
Some experts argue that his successful dissemination of Catholicism among the American public, particularly during a period marked by fierce anti-Catholic sentiment, laid the groundwork for the election of John F. Kennedy, the first Catholic president.
On Thursday, Sheen’s beatification ceremony took place in St. Louis, Missouri. The event was held at the Dome at America’s Center, largely because there weren’t enough spaces available in his home Diocese of Peoria, Illinois, to accommodate the expected attendees.
During the ceremony, James Fulton Engstrom carried a decorative vessel containing relics of Archbishop Sheen, who, according to the church, played a role in his miraculous survival as a newborn. This incident dates back to 2007, when James was born at home without a pulse, prompting his family to rush him to the hospital while fervently praying for Sheen’s intercession.
After an investigation by the Catholic Church, it was deemed that the revival of James—just as medical staff were ready to declare him deceased—was a miracle attributed to Sheen’s prayers. Generally, to achieve beatification, the Vatican requires the attribution of one miracle to the candidate.
