Bishop Louis Tylka celebrates thanksgiving Mass for Sheen beatification

Bishop Louis Tylka celebrated thanksgiving Masses on Sept. 25 at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Peoria following the beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen in St. Louis. The cathedral is the site where Sheen was ordained a priest and where his remains are entombed.

Nearly 20 priests and 200 seminarians from three local seminaries joined the bishop for the liturgy. Pilgrims lined the side of the cathedral to venerate Sheen's tomb, which was decorated with flowers, a portrait, and a relic.

Bishop Tylka, who is responsible for Sheen's cause for canonization, wore Sheen's pectoral cross and held his crozier during the Mass. The bishop told the congregation that the beatification was a result of what God had done through the life and legacy of Blessed Fulton J. Sheen.