PEORIA — The Diocese of Peoria has announced the release of an additional allotment of tickets for the historic Mass of Beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, including, for the first time, seating on the floor of The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis.

The newly released tickets became available after organizers completed the complex process of manually entering thousands of group registrations from dioceses, parishes, schools, and pilgrimage groups across the United States and around the world.

“This is wonderful news for those who have been hoping for another opportunity to attend,” said Bishop Louis Tylka. “The response to Archbishop Sheen’s Beatification has been truly extraordinary. I have been humbled by the enthusiasm, prayers, and love shown by Catholics and people of goodwill from around the world. I encourage anyone who wishes to be part of this historic celebration to register as soon as possible.”

The Mass of Beatification will be celebrated on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, Missouri. The Beatification marks the final step before canonization and will bring Archbishop Sheen one step closer to becoming the first American-born bishop to be declared a saint.

A Full Day of Prayer and Celebration

The celebration begins well before the Beatification Mass itself.

The Dome will open at 8:00 a.m. (Central Time), welcoming pilgrims for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Eucharistic Adoration, an interactive Catholic Expo featuring dozens of ministries and exhibitors, and opportunities for prayer and fellowship.

Beginning at 10:00 a.m., the pre-Beatification program will feature nationally recognized Catholic leaders, including Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop Emeritus of New York; Msgr. Roger Landry, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States; Katie Prejean McGrady, award-winning author and SiriusXM Catholic Channel host; Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN, Catholic speaker, author, and licensed mental health counselor; and Matt Maher, award-winning Christian singer and songwriter.

The pre-Mass Procession is expected to begin around 1:30 p.m., immediately preceding the Beatification Mass at 2:00 p.m.

Pilgrims from Around the World

Interest in Archbishop Sheen’s Beatification continues to grow. 

Current registrations include: 

• 50 bishops
• 600 priests
• 150 deacons
• Pilgrims representing nearly 40 states and 10 countries

“Seeing the Church gather from across our nation and around the world is a beautiful reminder that Archbishop Sheen’s message continues to resonate decades after his earthly ministry,” Bishop Tylka said. “My hope is that every pilgrim who comes to St. Louis—and every person who joins us in prayer from home—will leave with a renewed commitment to holiness, missionary discipleship, and sharing the joy of the Gospel.”

More Than One Day

While the Beatification Mass will be the centerpiece of the celebration, pilgrims are invited to take part in a two-week Sheen pilgrimage spanning September 15–26, 2026..

The schedule includes nightly Holy Hours, opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Eucharistic Adoration, Masses of Thanksgiving, visits to Archbishop Sheen’s tomb in Peoria, and the inaugural Sheen Awards Gala. Together, these events provide opportunities for prayer, formation, fellowship, and a deeper encounter with the life and spirituality of Archbishop Sheen.

“Archbishop Sheen devoted his life to helping people encounter Jesus Christ,” Bishop Tylka said. “My prayer is that everyone who participates in these celebrations will discover that same joy and be inspired to share the Gospel with renewed confidence.”

Register Soon

Those wishing to attend are encouraged to register as soon as possible, as organizers expect the newly released tickets to be claimed quickly.

Tickets for the Mass of Beatification and surrounding events, along with hotel information, travel resources, and the complete pilgrimage schedule, are available at CelebrateSheen.com.

Whether attending the Beatification Mass, making a pilgrimage to Peoria, or participating in several days of prayer and celebration, Catholics are invited to be part of what promises to be one of the most significant moments in the history of the Catholic Church in the United States.