Local display offers residents chance to see relics tied to national Catholic figure
The Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark began exhibiting items from the life and ministry of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen ahead of his scheduled beatification on Sept. 24, the cathedral announced. The multi-day display runs through Oct. 4, giving Tri-State visitors and Newark parishioners an opportunity to view a selection of Sheen’s vestments and other objects associated with his public ministry.
Matthew Gonzalez, rector of the cathedral, described the event as significant for Catholics in the United States and for local worshippers. "It's quite exciting for the church here in the U.S.," Gonzalez said, noting Sheen’s influence in the mid-20th century when he used radio and television to reach broad audiences.
What is on display
Among the items being shown is Archbishop Sheen’s chasuble, which the cathedral is identifying as a second-class relic following the declaration of beatification. The chasuble is highlighted by cathedral officials as one of the more prominent items in the exhibition.
- Chasuble (second-class relic)
- Additional vestments and personal items from Sheen’s ministry
- Materials contextualizing his radio and television work
"To have Fulton Sheen here at the cathedral now, when people seem to be really looking for meaning and direction, I think it's a great blessing for those who might be visiting during these two weeks," Gonzalez said.
Beatification and its local meaning
Beatification is a formal recognition by the Catholic Church that a deceased person is in heaven and is given the title "Blessed." The honor is one step on the path toward sainthood. In Sheen’s case, church officials have pointed to his decades of media ministry as well as a reported 2010 miracle — the source material cites an event in which a stillborn infant bearing Sheen’s namesake reportedly came to life 61 minutes after birth — as elements linked to his beatification.
Though Sheen is widely known nationally for pioneering the use of radio and television to spread Catholic teaching, his clerical career also included roles more connected to the region: he served as an auxiliary bishop of New York and later as bishop of Rochester. The Newark exhibit places those national accomplishments within a parish context, offering local Catholics a proximate way to engage with a figure who influenced mid-20th-century religious broadcasting.
Practical details for visitors
The cathedral’s display opens through Oct. 4. Organizers say the exhibit is intended to serve both the faithful seeking devotional access to relics and members of the public interested in the historical and cultural aspects of Sheen’s ministry. The cathedral is located in Newark and is the seat of local archdiocesan activity, making it a central venue for the commemoration.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Sheen beatification | Sept. 24 |
| Cathedral display run | Through Oct. 4 |
Cathedral leaders emphasized the contemporary resonance of the exhibit, saying it arrives at a moment when many people are seeking meaning and guidance. The presentation of a second-class relic such as a chasuble is meaningful within Catholic devotional practice because it provides a tangible connection to a person the church recognizes for exceptional holiness and public service.
For Newark residents, the display offers a local way to witness an event that has national attention within Catholic circles. The inclusion of items tied to Sheen’s media work also underscores the crossroads of faith and popular communication that defined much of his public life.
Those planning to visit should consult the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart for hours and any visitor instructions.
