An early televangelist with ties to Central Illinois is one step closer to sainthood.
The Catholic Diocese of Peoria said Monday it will mark the Beatification of Bishop Fulton Sheen on Dec. 21. That is a formal declaration that someone has lived a holy life and is one step below sainthood for Roman Catholics.
The diocese said it received notification of the date from Pope Francis and the Vatican.
Sheen was an early television personality railing against Communism and for a life of faith. He was born in El Paso, Illinois.
Sheen's body has been moved from New York to the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Peoria. That's where Sheen was ordained as a priest in 1919 and where the diocese will celebrate his elevation.