National One-Day Conference Gathers Leading Catholic Voices on Eve of Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s Beatification
Special event explores Sheen’s vision for renewing Church and country as America marks 250 years
As the United States commemorates its semiquincentennial year, Catholics from across the country are preparing to celebrate the beatification of one of America’s most influential religious figures. On September 23, 2026, the eve of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen’s beatification, leading Catholic scholars, clergy, and evangelists will gather in St. Louis for a one-day national conference examining Sheen’s enduring vision for faith, leadership, and cultural renewal in America.
The conference, titled “America’s Saint: The Catholic Hour is Now,” will take place from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac. Inspired by Sheen’s example as a pioneering evangelist, communicator, and champion of the Catholic faith, the event invites participants to reflect on what it means to think like Sheen, pray like Sheen, suffer like Sheen, and lead like Sheen.
“This conference will rally the voices of American Catholics who championed Sheen when his cause was buried, those who suffered for his same convictions, and those committed to rebuilding America and the Church the way Sheen did, particularly during this patriotic semiquincentennial moment in the United States,” said Dr. Peter Howard, founder and president of the Fulton Sheen Institute and Fulton Sheen Movement. “Long before his cause was reopened, Sheen prophesied that America needs a saint—an American saint. More than a saint who lived in America, Fulton Sheen was a saint formed by America—an Illinois farm boy who became a bishop, pioneering evangelist, and true Catholic American patriot, embodying the very saint he believed God was calling America to produce.”
The conference comes at a historic moment for both the Church and the nation. As Americans reflect on 250 years of history, Catholics will simultaneously witness the elevation of Archbishop Sheen—a globally influential evangelist, media pioneer, and tireless defender of the faith—to the ranks of the Blessed.
Long before television transformed American culture, Sheen captivated millions through radio and television broadcasts, introducing generations of Americans to Christian faith and moral reflection during some of the nation’s most challenging periods, including the Great Depression and the Cold War. His ability to communicate timeless truths amid cultural uncertainty continues to resonate today.
The conference will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Msgr. Roger Landry, Arthur Brooks, Jason Jones, Sr. Dede Byrne, and Fr. Thomas Loya, who will offer reflections on Sheen’s life, spirituality, leadership, and relevance for Catholics seeking to remake a broken world.
A special keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Howard, who is widely regarded as one of the foremost scholars of Venerable Fulton Sheen. Having dedicated nearly two decades to advancing Sheen’s mission through teaching, writing, retreats, media, and formation programs worldwide, Howard also played a pivotal role in promoting Sheen’s cause for canonization. In September 2025, he personally delivered more than 14,000 petition signatures supporting Sheen’s cause to the Dicastery for the Cause of Saints in Rome. Six months later, the Vatican announced the official date of Sheen’s beatification.
“At a time marked by confusion, fragmentation, and a crisis of identity, Sheen’s message cuts through the noise with conviction and clarity,” added Howard. “This conference aims to rekindle the flame that burned so brightly in Archbishop Sheen: a bold love for Christ, intellectual courage, and deep fidelity to the Gospel. We gather not merely to reflect on history, but to respond to the present moment.”
Registration includes admission to the conference and round-trip shuttle transportation between the conference venue and the Dome at America’s Center. Discounted registration options are available for groups, families, students, and clergy. Conference registration does not include admission to the Fulton Sheen Beatification Mass. Beatification Mass tickets may be purchased separately by attendees staying at the conference hotel.
A limited number of spaces also remain available for a seven-day pilgrimage led by Howard from September 19–25. Beginning in Peoria and concluding in St. Louis after the September 24 celebration dinner featuring special guest speaker Chris Stefanick, the pilgrimage offers participants a unique opportunity to journey through the places that shaped Sheen’s life, ministry, and path to sainthood.
