The Beatification Mass
of Fulton Sheen
An Abundance of Music
compiled by Gary Penkala
Some data for this article came from The Walking Hymnal, a project of Josh Mansfield.
The Beatification Mass for Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen on September 24, 2026, was an epic moment for mega-liturgies in the U.S.
Bringing together 60,000 worshipers into a beautiful liturgically-outfitted secular arena (the Dome at America's Center, Saint Louis MO), for a religious experience that raised America's finest evangelist to the diginity of the altars, this Mass was truly amazing.
It was full of music — the Opening Procession itself lasted 45 minutes!
Five choral groups participated, after six weeks of rehearsal:
- Grand Choir, directed by Dr. Joshua Russell, Headmaster of Chesteron Academy in Peoria.
- Chesterton Academy Choir, also directed by Dr. Russell
- Men's Schola, directed by Lewis McAdow, from Saint Joseph Parish (FSSP) in Rockdale IL
- Polyphonic Choir, directed by Heath Morber, Music Director at the Newman Center at the University of Illinois
- Hispanic Ensemble
Here's an outline of what you may have heard were you part of the congregation in person, on TV or radio, or online.
Processional Music
not necessarily in performance order:
- Os justi (Anton Bruckner) — Polyphonic Choir
- Priests of God, Praise the Lord (Peter Latona) — Grand Choir
- The Last Words of David (Randall Thompson) — Grand Choir
- Prelude on Rhosymedre (Ralph Vaughan Williams) — Orchestra
- Chorale and Finale from Variations on a Theme by Haydn (Johannes Brahms) — Brass Quintet and Organ
- Ave maris stella (Josep Ollé i Sabaté) — Chesterton Academy Choir
- Ecce sacerdos magnus (Anton Bruckner) — Polyphonic Choir
Introit
Entrance Hymn
- All People That on Earth Do Dwell [tune: Old Hundredth] (arr. Kevin Kato)
Hymns of Thanksgiving
during Unveiling of Icon, Presentation of the Major Relic, and Distribution of the Decree
- Holy God, We Praise Thy Name [tune: Grosser Gott] (arr. Paul French)
- Now Thank We All Our God [tune: Nun danket] (arr. David Giardiniere)
Gloria
- from Mass of Wisdom (Steven Janco)
Responsorial Psalm
- Psalm 84: Jesus Christ Yesterday (Fr. Charles Klamut)
A rather strange setting, with New Testament lyrics
Gospel Acclamation
- Festival Alleluia (Fr. James Chepponis)
Offertory Hymn
- O God, Our Help in Ages Past [tune: Saint Anne]
Mass Setting
Sanctus, Mystery of Faith, Amen, Agnus Dei
- Mass of Wisdom (Steven Janco)
Communion Antiphon
Communion Hymns
- Alleluia! Sing to Jesus [tune: Hyfrydol] (arr. David Maurand)
- Make Us One [tune: Adoro te devote] (Chris de Silva)
Communion Music
not necessarily in performance order:
- Adoro te devote (Gregorian chant) — Men's Schola
- The Beatitudes (Paul Jernberg) — Polyphonic Choir
- Salve Regina – solemn melody (Gregorian chant) — Men's Schola
- If Ye Love Me (Thomas Tallis) — Chesterton Academy Choir
- Pan de vida (Bob Hurd) — Hispanic Ensemble
- Dios, te salve Maria (Dominic Dousa) — Hispanic Ensemble
- Then Shall the Righteous Shine Forth from Elijah (Felix Mendelssohn) — Orchestra
- Ave verum (Philip Stopford) — Chesterton Academy Choir
- O quam gloriosum (Tomas Luis de Victoria) — Chesterton Academy Choir
- Sicut cervus (Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina) — Chesterton Academy Choir
- Hallelujah from Christ on the Mount of Olives (Ludwig van Beethoven) — Chesterton Academy Choir
Closing Hymn
- Go to the World [tune: Sine nomine] (arr. Fr. James Chepponis)
Postludes
among others
- Maestoso from Organ Symphony No.3 in c minor (Camille Saint-Saëns) — Brass Quintet, Timpani, Organ & Piano
- Trumpet Tune (Henry Purcell) — Brass Quintet and Organ
The lead musicians
Article compiled 25 September 2026
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