Father, What Does Beatification Mean?
Every so often, the Church announces that a holy man or woman has been declared “Blessed.” When Catholics hear the word beatification, many wonder what it actually means. Is the person already a saint? What changes? Why is it important?
Beatification is one of the final steps on the road to canonization. It is the Church’s official declaration that a deceased person lived a life of heroic virtue and is now enjoying the presence of God in Heaven. Through beatification, the Church permits public veneration of that person in certain regions, dioceses, religious communities, or countries. The title given is “Blessed.”
The Road to Sainthood
The path to sainthood generally follows four stages: Servant of God, Venerable, Blessed, and Saint.
First, a person is named a Servant of God when the Church formally begins investigating his or her life. If the Vatican determines that the individual lived a life of heroic virtue, the title Venerable is bestowed, as in the case of Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. Ordinarily, a miracle attributed to the person’s intercession must then be approved before beatification can occur. Once confirmed, the individual receives the title Blessed. A second approved miracle is normally required before canonization and recognition as a saint.
One of the most exciting examples of this process unfolding before our eyes is that of Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, one of the greatest evangelists America has ever produced. Through radio broadcasts, television programs, books, and preaching, Archbishop Sheen brought the Gospel into millions of homes. Long before social media, he used modern communications to proclaim the timeless truths of Jesus Christ.
The Holy See has now authorized the final steps toward his beatification on September 24, 2026. Catholics across the nation are rejoicing as the Church prepares to recognize officially what so many have believed for decades—that Archbishop Sheen lived a life of heroic holiness.
The Miracle That Led to Beatification
Central to his beatification is the approval of a miracle attributed to his intercession. In 2010, James Fulton Engstrom was born without a detectable heartbeat after severe complications involving the umbilical cord. Family and friends prayed for Archbishop Sheen’s intercession, and after 61 minutes without signs of life, the child’s heart began beating. Even more remarkable, James recovered completely and developed normally despite doctors’ fears of severe neurological damage. After years of medical, theological, and canonical investigation, the Vatican concluded there was no scientific explanation for his recovery and recognized it as a miracle.
Why Fulton Sheen Still Inspires Us
Archbishop Sheen’s message remains relevant today. He called people to prayer, devotion to the Holy Eucharist, love for Our Blessed Mother, and fidelity to Christ and His Church.
As we look forward to the day when the Church proclaims him Blessed Fulton Sheen, we are reminded that holiness is not reserved for a select few. The saints are raised up not merely for admiration but for imitation. Their lives point us toward Jesus Christ and remind us that God’s grace is real, holiness is attainable, and Heaven is our true home.
May the example of the soon-to-be Blessed Fulton Sheen inspire us to deepen our prayer, strengthen our faith, and courageously proclaim the Gospel in our own day.
By Fr. Richard Breton