Pilgrims attend Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen beatification in St. Louis

Pilgrims gathered in St. Louis for the Sept. 24 beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. Organizers expected approximately 50,000 attendees for the Mass at The Dome at America’s Center, including 89 bishops, 1,000 priests, 250 deacons, and about 850 each of religious and seminarians.

Travelers from around the world attended the event, including Dominique Abagi from Sydney, who traveled from Colombia to participate. Abagi and other pilgrims described the beatification as a gift and a motivation to serve as missionary disciples. During a midday Mass on Sept. 23 at the Basilica of St. Louis, King of France, large crowds filled the pews and confessionals. Basilica rector Father Nicholas W. Smith noted the high attendance during the service.

Pilgrims expressed appreciation for the archbishop's ability to communicate Catholic truths clearly. Carolyn Kwapich of Ave Maria, Florida, noted that Sheen's preaching was relatable to the common person and that his spiritual foresight made him a man of his times.