Above: Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, pictured in an undated photo, is remembered as one of the most influential and innovative evangelists in American history. Once dubbed "God's microphone," Archbishop Sheen announced God's truth in a nonconfrontational, yet no less life-giving, manner to untold millions through radio, print and television. (CNS file photo)
Bishop Louis Tylka, of Peoria, Illinois, shared a statement June 22 about the release of tickets and hotel reservations for the Sept. 24 Mass of Beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen.
“I am pleased to announce that tickets for the Mass of Beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, as well as events taking place before and after the historic celebration, will be available on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 10 a.m. CDT,” he shared, adding that tickets will be available through the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation at celebratesheen.com.
Bishop Tylka leads the Diocese of Peoria, which has close ties to Archbishop Sheen, who was ordained a priest there in 1919. The diocese started his cause for canonization. The official roster of events surrounding the beatification includes events in Peoria Sept. 15 – 23 and Sept. 25 and 26.
St. Louis is hosting the Beatification Mass because of its close proximity to Peoria and ability to include the largest number of people possible, organizers said, adding that the largest venue in Peoria wouldn’t allow more than 15,000 participants but that the Dome in St. Louis, which hosted a 1999 papal visit, can accommodate around 100,000.
Beatification is a ceremony in the process of canonization whereby a person previously named a Servant of God gains the title of Blessed. It’s the last step before sainthood and canonization, which is celebrated by the pope as the new saint is recognized by the universal Church as a model of holiness to be imitated.
The statement included the following:
“The Mass of Beatification will take place on September 24, 2026, at 2 p.m. at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, Missouri, marking a historic moment for the Catholic Church in the United States and throughout the world. The Dome will open early that day for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Adoration, and a pre-Beatification program with Catholic speakers and musicians.
In addition to the Beatification Mass itself, pilgrims will have the opportunity to participate in a rich series of prayerful, educational, and celebratory events from September 15–26, 2026. These include Masses of Thanksgiving, visits to Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s tomb, and the inaugural Sheen Awards Gala, all in Peoria, Illinois.
Together, these events form the official Sheen Pilgrimage, a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of one of the Church’s greatest evangelizers while honoring his life, legacy, and missionary witness. I encourage you to make a pilgrimage to both Peoria and St. Louis to fully experience this historic and grace-filled moment in the life of the Church.
Due to the historic significance of the event and anticipated attendance from across the country and around the world, advance ticket registration will be required for the Mass of Beatification and select events.
Additional information regarding schedules, hotel accommodations, livestream opportunities, pilgrim resources, and frequently asked questions will also be available at celebratesheen.com.
All are encouraged to attend in person if possible, or to join in prayer and participation virtually as the Church celebrates the Beatification of one of the greatest evangelizers of the modern era.”