This week, the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois, announced that the Venerable Fulton J. Sheen will be beatified on December 21st in that city’s Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception.
It’s a fitting moment in time for Sheen’s beatification. The diocese noted that the ceremony will take place at the end of this 100-year anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.
But perhaps more meaningful, Sheen’s beatification is happening during these tumultuous times, when political discourse seems to have reached new lows. It brings to mind Pope Benedict XVI’s words at his general weekly audience back in January 2010:
To renew the church in every age, God raises up saints, who themselves have been renewed by God and are in constant contact with God.
Given the convulsions of the Church with regards to sex scandals, abuses of power and Pachamama idols in the Vatican, we live in an age that needs saints more than ever.
But given the convulsions in our society, and the recent news that 36% of millennials approve of communism (up from 28% last year), a saint Sheen in particular is needed more than ever.
For more on Sheen’s life, faith, and his exhortations against communism, check out two of our great resources featuring James Patterson, professor of politics at Ave Maria University. Patterson discusses the legacy of Sheen and his efforts to bring Americans in closer alignment with the Christian tradition. Just click on the image to listen and/or view!
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