Faith

Maureen Crowley
Heil

On September 24, 2026, our former National Director, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, will be beatified in St. Louis, Missouri. To say we are thrilled is the understatement of the year! Archbishop Sheen has long been an inspiration to those of us in ministry with the Pontifical Mission Societies. His talks, his example, and even his sense of humor in the face of the many obstacles he faced have shown millions a pathway to Christ through service to others.
As a Blessed, Archbishop Sheen joins two of our four Societies' founders -- Blessed Paolo Manna, founder of the Missionary Union, beatified in 2001, and Blessed Pauline Marie Jaricot, foundress of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, beatified in 2022. We pray that all of them may be granted their next miracle to sainthood, joining another former National Director (of El Salvador), Saint Oscar Romero, and wear a halo!
We look to these Blesseds for intercession and follow their examples of holiness. Paolo Manna was too ill to stay in the missions of Myanmar, so he wrote about the missions in his home country of Italy, inspiring generations to learn more about the missionary work of the Church and pray for it. His efforts became a worldwide movement called the Missionary Union, which became a Pontifical Society in 1956.
Blessed Pauline Jaricot was inspired to organize French factory workers into Prayer Circles who met weekly to listen to mission stories, pray (usually the rosary), and make a material sacrifice. This idea grew into what is now the General Solidarity Fund of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, which became Pontifical in 1922.
Archbishop Sheen broadened Pauline's legacy when he began the World Mission Rosary in 1951. Each differently colored decade stands for a populated continent in the world. As you pray the rosary, you add to your intentions the people and missionaries of the continent that matches the color. Sheen said in that way, "You've embraced the world in prayer."
To honor Sheen at his beatification, our national office has committed to making 75,000 World Mission Rosaries. We need YOUR help to achieve this goal! All rosaries must be mailed in to be blessed by September 15. Can you volunteer your time and talent? They are simple to make, and we'll give you all the supplies needed. (I made four in about an hour last night, sitting in my kitchen!)
Consider this your invitation to join a national legion of rosary makers who will help people pray for the world at the beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. They'll be praying for you, too!
Email info@propfaithboston.org to join us!

- Maureen Crowley Heil is Director of Programs and Development for the Pontifical Mission Societies, Boston.

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