Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen will be beatified on September 24, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri. Journey with us for this historic occaision!
Itinerary
Wednesday, September 23:
This morning we will depart Holy Family Catholic Church in Rockford, IL. We will be led in prayer and reflections as we travel on this holy adventure. Our first stop will be at Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception where Fulton Sheen learned to serve Mass and was ordained a priest on September 20, 1919. It is a place of profound historical and spiritual significance in Peoria. Established in 1845, this cathedral has been at the heart of the city’s Catholic community for generations. It stands as a testament to enduring faith, offering a serene space for worship, reflection, and connection. Within its sacred walls lies the tomb of Venerable Servant of God, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, a beloved figure in the Catholic world. Explore the rich history and vibrant faith that define the Cathedral of St. Mary. From there we will walk up the street to the Bishop Fulton Sheen Museum. Fulton Sheen never forgot his Peoria roots and his home diocese. His museum is located in the Spalding Pastoral Center on the same historic campus where young Fulton Sheen graduated from the Cathedral grade school and Spalding High School. The Sheen Museum is maintained by the Archbishop Fulton John Sheen Foundation and proudly displays a wide variety of artifacts from the Archbishop’s life which are housed in several collections. The exhibit includes writings, books, photos, a selection of his vestments and Episcopal regalia, and many other artifacts displayed through the generosity of various donors.
Our next stop will be a brief visit to St. Louis King of France Basilica where we will celebrate Mass before heading to our hotel to freshen up before our group welcome dinner! Overnight St. Louis.
Thursday, September 24:
This morning after breakfast we will walk the short distance to the St. Louis Arch. The Gateway Arch has long been called the “Gateway to the West” but have you considered all the stories that lie beneath its iconic curve? Gateway Arch National Park is home to the tallest monument in the United States, over 200 years of shared St. Louis history, a beautiful urban national park, and so much more. Gateway Arch National Park began in 1935 when it was founded by the National Park Service to commemorate Thomas Jefferson’s vision of a transcontinental United States. Formerly known as the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, the national park includes the Gateway Arch, the Old Courthouse, and the 91 acre national park grounds. We will take the tram ride to the top for an amazing view of the city.
From there the reason for our pilgrimage truly begins as we head to the St. Louis Dome only 1/10th of a mile from our hotel. We will take part in all the beatification celebrations including Mass and so much more! This will be a day you will not soon forget. Bishop Fulton Sheen will forever be a part of your life interceding for you. Lunch and dinner will be on our own today. Overnight St. Louis.
Friday, September 25:
This morning after breakfast we will depart for the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis for the Holy sacrifice of the Mass. This absolutely stunning Cathedral was completed in 1914 and is known for holding one of the largest mosaic collections in the Western Hemisphere. Designed in a Byzantine-Romanesque style, it features over 41 million glass tesserae tiles covering 83,000 square feet. It was named one of the top 5 most beautiful churches in the United States! From there will drive to Epiphany Church in Normal, IL for a visit. Why stop here? Because this is the church that Holy Family in Rockford used as a model for its own expansion and renovation! It will be exciting to see where the inspiration came from. We will then head back to Rockford.
Included in this pilgrimage:
- Transportation on a coach bus
- Accompaniment of a Catholic guide and priest throughout
- Daily Mass & devotions
- (2) nights hotel downtown St. Louis
- Entrance tickets to the Arch, beautification and all other sites/events listed in itinerary
- Breakfast daily
- Welcome dinner with wine
- Tips to your guide and driver
Not included:
- Meals not mentioned above
Cost:
- $1299 per person double occupancy
- $300 add on fee for single rooms
- $400 non refundable deposit due at time of booking
- Final payments due on or before July 15, 2026
*We only have 20 rooms at the above price. We were able to secure a second block of rooms at a higher price which will take effect as soon as the first block of rooms is gone. That pricing will be: $1430 per person double occupancy. $450 single fee for singles. The website registration page will be updated to reflect the new pricing as soon as the first rooms are filled so please register quickly.
