White House Honors Archbishop Sheen on Beatification Day
The White House honors Archbishop Fulton Sheen on the day of his beatification, highlighting his impact on American Catholicism.
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The White House honored Catholic Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen on the day of his beatification, marking a significant step toward his potential canonization as a saint. A statement released on September 24 praised Sheen for his pioneering use of media to spread the Gospel and bring people closer to Christ.
A Media Pioneer and Catholic Influence
The statement highlighted Sheen’s role as a television personality who captivated audiences with his theological and philosophical insights. Dressed in striking priestly robes, he used a chalk stick and blackboard to deliver his messages, becoming a primetime sensation that challenged the entertainment industry.
Sheen’s show, ‘Life is Worth Living,’ gained widespread acclaim, surpassing the ratings of American legends like Milton Berle and Frank Sinatra. He won an Emmy award for Most Outstanding Television Personality and graced the cover of Time magazine. His sharp intellect and wit converted millions, including national politicians, Hollywood celebrities, and even communist leaders, to the Catholic faith.
Legacy and Beatification
Sheen’s efforts to mainstream Catholicism in America during a time of intense anti-Catholic sentiment are credited by some experts with paving the way for President John F. Kennedy, the first Catholic president. His beatification ceremony took place in St. Louis, Missouri, at the Dome at America’s Center due to the lack of a suitable venue in his home Diocese of Peoria, Illinois.
The ceremony also marked the beatification of James Fulton Engstrom, who was resuscitated as a newborn after being declared dead. The Catholic Church recognized this as a miracle attributable to Sheen’s intercession, a key requirement for beatification.
A Miracle and a Legacy
James Engstrom, born without a pulse, was prayed for by his parents and others, invoking the intercession of the late Archbishop. After a formal inquiry, the Church determined that his resuscitation was a miracle, fulfilling the criteria for beatification.
Source: Breitbart
