All are Invited to Join the Church in Celebrating a Historic Moment

PEORIA — On June 23, 2026, Catholics from across the Diocese of Peoria, the United States, and around the world will be able to reserve tickets for the Mass of Beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen and many of the events surrounding this historic celebration.

Tickets will be available through the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation at celebratesheen.com beginning at 10 a.m. CDT.

The Beatification Mass is expected to draw pilgrims from across the nation and beyond. The Mass of Beatification will take place on September 24, 2026, at 2 p.m. at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, Missouri, marking a historic moment for the Catholic Church in the United States and throughout the world.  The Dome will open early that day for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Adoration, and a pre-Beatification program with Catholic speakers and musicians. 

In addition to the Beatification Mass itself, pilgrims will have the opportunity to participate in a rich series of prayerful, educational, and celebratory events from September 15–26, 2026. These include Masses of Thanksgiving, visits to Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s tomb, and the inaugural Sheen Awards Gala, all in Peoria, IL. Together, these events form the official Sheen Pilgrimage.  A unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of one of the Church’s greatest evangelizers while honoring his life, legacy, and missionary witness. I encourage you to make a pilgrimage to both Peoria and St. Louis to fully experience this historic and grace-filled moment in the life of the Church.

Because of the anticipated attendance and the limited capacity of certain venues, advance registration will be required.

Bishop Tylka encouraged the faithful to consider participating in as many events as possible. While many pilgrims will travel to St. Louis and Peoria for the celebrations, organizers recognize that not everyone will be able to attend in person. Livestream opportunities and additional resources will be made available to help Catholics participate from their homes, parishes, schools, and communities.

“I encourage people not only to attend the Beatification Mass, but to embrace the entire pilgrimage experience both in Peoria and St. Louis,” Bishop Tylka said. “The events leading up to and following the Beatification will help us reflect on Archbishop Sheen’s witness and allow us to celebrate together as the Church recognizes his heroic virtue and example.”

Information about event schedules, hotel accommodations, pilgrim resources, livestream opportunities, and frequently asked questions are also available through celebratesheen.com.

For Bishop Tylka, however, the Beatification represents more than a single day of celebration.

“Archbishop Sheen spent his life leading people to Jesus Christ,” he said. “As we prepare for his Beatification, we are invited not only to honor his legacy but to ask ourselves how we are responding to God’s call in our own lives. His witness continues to challenge and inspire us to pursue holiness, deepen our faith, and share the Gospel with courage.”

The Diocese of Peoria encourages all to begin making plans now to participate in this historic occasion and to continue praying for the success of the Beatification celebrations.