Statement Regarding Release of Tickets for the Beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen
“It fills me with great joy to announce that we are releasing an additional allotment of tickets for the Mass of Beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.
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, marking a historic moment for the Catholic Church in the United States and throughout the world. The Beatification is the final step before canonization and will bring Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen one step closer to becoming the first American-born bishop to be declared a saint.
Since tickets were first made available, I have been overwhelmed by the response from Catholics and people of goodwill around the world who desire to be part of this historic moment in the life of the Church. Your enthusiasm, prayers, and love for Archbishop Sheen have been both humbling and inspiring.
I am especially pleased to share that this release includes, for the first time, seating on the floor of the Dome. These additional tickets provide another opportunity for pilgrims to be present for this once-in-a-lifetime celebration, and I encourage anyone who has been hoping to attend to secure their tickets as soon as possible. We are only able to release these tickets after manually inputting the purchase of thousands of group tickets.
The celebration on September 24 begins long before the Beatification Mass. The Dome will open at 8 a.m. CDT, welcoming pilgrims for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Eucharistic Adoration, and an interactive Catholic expo with dozens of ministries, apostolates, and exhibitors.
Beginning at 10 a.m., pilgrims will be invited to participate in a special pre-Beatification program featuring inspiring reflections, music, and prayer led by:
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, speaker, and SiriusXM Catholic Channel host
Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN, Catholic speaker, mental health counselor, and author
Matt Maher, award-winning Christian singer and songwriter
The pre-Mass Procession will begin around 1:30 pm before the historic Mass of Beatification at 2:00 p.m., offering pilgrims a full day of worship, inspiration, and joyful celebration centered on the life and witness of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.
While the Beatification Mass is the centerpiece of these celebrations, it is only one part of a much larger pilgrimage experience.
From September 15 through September 26, 2026, pilgrims are invited to participate in a rich series of prayerful, educational, and celebratory events honoring Archbishop Sheen's life and legacy. These opportunities include nightly Holy Hours, Masses of Thanksgiving, visits to Archbishop Sheen's tomb in Peoria, and the inaugural Sheen Awards Gala.
Together, these events invite pilgrims not simply to attend a historic occasion, but to embark on a pilgrimage of faith inspired by Archbishop Sheen's lifelong devotion to Jesus Christ.”
+Bishop Louis Tylka, Diocese of Peoria