The Logistical and Evangelical Challenges of the Archbishop Sheen Beatification

National Catholic Register, 22 November 2019

Especially in the case of one of the greatest evangelists of his time, the evangelical dimension of a beatification is essential.

The beatification of Venerable Fulton Sheen, delayed for several years, is now on an accelerated pace to completion. The Diocese of Peoria, Illinois, announced Nov. 18 that it had received earlier that day the decision of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints: The beatification would take place 33 days later, on Dec. 21.

A beatification on such short notice — less time than it might take to organize the annual parish picnic — is without precedent in recent decades. It will pose logistical challenges for the Diocese of Peoria, not least of which is the inability to secure a suitably large facility to accommodate the many pilgrims who want to attend, braving the possibility of the Illinois winter storm four days before Christmas. The beatification will therefore take place in Peoria’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, where the body of Archbishop Sheen now rests.

But the logistical challenges are secondary to the evangelical challenges. A beatification or canonization, after all, is not really for the good of the candidate, who is already in heaven before the glory of God and in the company of the saints. It’s for the good of the Church here below, for the inspiration of the faithful, for intercession on their behalf, and for the spread of the Gospel. Especially in the case of Archbishop Sheen, one of the greatest evangelists of his time, the evangelical dimension of a beatification is essential.

A beatification or canonization with adequate preparation allows for a full array of evangelical initiatives to be executed, both for Catholics in the pew and the wider public. Pilgrimages are arranged. Biographical materials are produced, including television specials, books, commemorative magazines, newspaper inserts and leaflets for mass distribution.

Parish schools and programs highlight the life of the “Blessed.” Features are written in the Catholic and secular press. An array of joint Church and civic functions in the local place bring the new “Blessed” out of the sanctuary into the public square.

Consider how the presence of the Prince of Wales at the recent canonization of St. John Henry Newman was only the centerpiece of a week’s worth of events that made the canonization a major news event in England.

None of that will take place for Fulton Sheen.

The accelerated beatification constitutes a massive missed evangelical opportunity. Consequently, the Diocese of Peoria and the U.S. bishops will have to quickly plan a compensatory program — perhaps a “Year of Blessed Fulton Sheen” or some such initiative. That the announcement from Peoria came only days after the U.S. bishops concluded their plenary meeting in Baltimore meant that an opportunity there was missed to discuss how to cope with the accelerated beatification timeline.

Recent experience has shown how important a beatification can be for evangelizing purposes, with the beatification itself being an indelible moment of grace for those able to attend.

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