This Sunday has been declared "Archbishop Sheen Day" in the City of Peoria, and the world can watch an historic celebration of Catholic faith as lived by the Diocese of Peoria’s most famous native son.

Diocesan officials this week were making final preparations for a 10:30 a.m. Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Mary’s Cathedral that will be broadcast internationally on the Eternal Word Television Network.

The Mass and ceremonies that precede it close the diocesan phase of the path toward sainthood for Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, the famed radio and television personality, author, and native of the Woodford County community of El Paso.

Archbishop Sheen’s cause for canonization was initiated by the Diocese of Peoria and opened by the Vatican more than five years ago. He has been granted the title Servant of God, and Sunday’s ceremonies are known by the Latin phrase "postrema sessio," or next stage.

About 60 members of the Sheen family are expected to attend the Mass, to be celebrated by Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC. During the liturgy, the final seal will be placed on several file boxes containing copies of Archbishop Sheen’s writings as well as thousands of pages of testimony given under oath by witnesses to his personal holiness. Dr. Andrea Ambrosi, a specially trained theologian, will then be commissioned by Bishop Jenky to carry the packages to the Vatican for presentation to the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints.

Among those expected to be present for the celebration are Bishop Roger Kaffer, retired auxiliary bishop of Joliet, and Bishop John Kidrick of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of the Midwest. Various political figures have accepted invitations to the Mass, which is open to the public.

The Bradley University Chorale will join the Cathedral Choir to lead music for the Mass. Archbishop Sheen was an instructor of philosophy and religion at Bradley early in his priesthood while he served as assistant pastor of St. Patrick’s Parish in Peoria.

A reservations-only lunch to follow at the Hotel Pere Marquette is expected to draw about 600 people.

EWTN coverage of the event begins at 9:30 with interviews with Sheen experts.

Jim Ardis, mayor of Peoria, has declared Sunday, Feb. 3, as Archbishop Sheen Day in the city.

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