Peoria bishop announces ticket availability for Sheen beatification

Bishop Louis Tylka of the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois, announced that tickets for the historic beatification Mass of Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen and related September events will be available the week of June 22.

Tylka expressed his excitement for the upcoming celebrations in a statement June 18.

“It is with profound joy and gratitude that I share that tickets for the Mass of beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, as well as many of the events surrounding this historic celebration, will become available during the week of June 22, 2026, through the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation website at celebratesheen.com,” Tylka said.

The beatification Mass is set for 2 p.m. CT on Sept. 24 at the Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis. The venue will open early that day for the sacrament of reconciliation and Eucharistic adoration, allowing pilgrims time for spiritual preparation. A special pre-beatification program featuring Catholic speakers and musicians will begin later that morning.

Tylka said the beatification Mass is the centerpiece of a broader pilgrimage experience.

“While the beatification Mass will be the centerpiece of these celebrations, it is only one part of what I hope will be a transformative pilgrimage experience for countless people,” he said. “From Sept. 15–26, 2026, pilgrims will have the opportunity to participate in a rich series of prayerful, educational, and celebratory events, including Holy Hours, Masses of thanksgiving, visits to Archbishop Sheen’s tomb, and the inaugural Sheen Awards in Peoria, Illinois.”

The official Sheen Pilgrimage includes events in both Peoria and St. Louis. Tylka encouraged pilgrims to participate.

“I strongly encourage pilgrims to make the journey to both Peoria and St. Louis so they can fully experience the breadth and beauty of this grace-filled time in the life of the Church,” he stated. “Each event has been designed to help us encounter Jesus Christ more deeply through the witness of Archbishop Sheen.”

Due to anticipated high attendance from across the United States and around the world, advance ticket registration is required for the beatification Mass and select other events.

Full details, including the complete schedule, hotel information, livestream options, pilgrim resources, and FAQs, will be posted on the website when registration opens.

Sheen (1895–1979) — the renowned television evangelist, author, and former bishop of Rochester, New York — served for many years in the Diocese of Peoria. The diocese has made the promotion of his cause for canonization one of its five foundational priorities.