PEORIA, Ill. – The process to immortalize a Catholic leader from central Illinois could begin later this year.
The Vatican is expected to soon announce a day for the beatification of Fulton Sheen, the El Paso native who rose to prominence as a radio and television preacher. Sheen most notably hosted the television program “Live is Worth Living.”
Beatification is the first step in a process that could lead to Sheen’s canonization and sainthood in the church. The process was to have taken place years prior, but was held up by investigations.
Monsignor Jason Gray of the Catholic Diocese of Peoria tells WMBD’s “The Phil Luciano Show” that Sheen’s beatification would be a point of pride for Peoria.
“There’s no doubt that there’s going to be an increase in the number of people,” Gray said. “It’s certainly great for the economy here. But also, even more than that, more than just any economic consideration, I think that Peoria can take pride in having a hometown hero.”
Gray says one person who could help the case is an Illinois native, Pope Leo. He says Leo has been familiar with Sheen’s work.
Catholic media is reporting that beatification could come in September.
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