As the moment of Archbishop Sheen’s beatification approaches, this academic and popular conference will reflect upon his total witness: his life, his thought, and his holiness. Presentations will be interdisciplinary in nature, ranging from theology to history, from spirituality to philosophy, and from biographical episodes to the current reception of his legacy. All who know and love Archbishop Sheen are welcome to attend; a special invitation is extended to those who seek to learn more about him.
All are welcome to join from wherever they are across the United States and world: in-person attendance is available for those who wish to travel to Rochester, NY, and Zoom attendance is also available for those unable to make the trip. Just as Archbishop Sheen drew upon new media and forms of social communication to proclaim the Gospel, may we take up this opportunity to come together and witness the Lord working in his servant, Fulton Sheen.
St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry is honored and uniquely placed to host this conference: St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry is the successor institution to the St. Bernard’s Seminary, to which Archbishop Sheen was ardently devoted during his time as Bishop of Rochester from 1966-1969. Archbishop Sheen bequeathed his personal library to the Seminary, as well as the rights to his famous television series, A Life is Worth Living; the School retains these treasures to this day. Most importantly, the School carries on the vision of Sheen’s leadership, especially in the School’s service of lay men and women, its utilization of communication technology, and its formation of men preparing for the permanent diaconate.
Msgr. Jason Gray was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Peoria in 1997. While studying at the North American College in Rome, he earned an S.T.L. in Biblical Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in 1998. He has been assigned to both parish work and chancery work after ordination. In 2004, he was sent to Catholic University to earn a J.C.L. in Canon Law, which he completed in 2006. In 2011, Msgr. Gray participated in the instruction of an alleged miraculous healing of a stillborn child through the intercession of the Servant of God, Archbishop Fulton Sheen. In 2012, Msgr. Gray was invited to work for the Holy See in the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, where he also worked on a J.C.D. in Canon Law in 2015. Following the completion of this degree, Msgr. Gray returned to the Diocese of Peoria and became pastor of St. Thomas Parish, Peoria Heights. In 2023, he was named Executive Director of the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation. When the permission was given in 2026 by Pope Leo XIV to proceed with the Beatification, Msgr. Gray assumed a leadership role in planning the ceremony to take place in St. Louis on September 24, 2026. He was also assigned as Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, and Rector of the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception where the mortal remains of the future Blessed Fulton Sheen are interred.
Dr. Hughes taught History, Humanities, and Religious Studies for over thirty years. Her doctorate is in Historical Theology from Durham University in England. She is an award-winning author of biographies. Her books include "Katharine Drexel: The Riches to Rags Story of an American Catholic Saint;" "Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen: Convert Maker;" and "Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen: God’s Great Communicator." She is the editor of "Crossing Boundaries/Confounding: Chinese Women in Literature, Art, and Film." Cheryl lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She has three grown children and five grandchildren.
When: Saturday, October 24th, 7:30am - 9:30pm EDT
Where: St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry, 120 French Road, Rochester, NY 14618
Attendance: In-Person and via Zoom
Available via Zoom
Please note all presenters are encouraged to attend in person.
Zoom links to all sessions and keynotes will be emailed to you at the email address provided at registration.
