After decades of anticipation and a cause marked by unexpected delays, the Diocese of Peoria has announced that Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen — beloved evangelist, television pioneer and native son of Illinois — will at last be beatified, a joy-filled announcement that comes only after years of legal disputes and renewed scrutiny briefly slowed his path to the altars.

No matter the obstacles, internally or externally, Sheen’s virtue developed and deepened. He grew holier throughout his life, no doubt strengthened by both his own sufferings in the Church and battling his own personal shortcomings, but also on account of habits and practices which nurtured and intensified his faith like the daily holy hour to which he committed as a young priest.

Once dubbed “God’s microphone,” Archbishop Sheen announced God’s truth in a nonconfrontational, yet no less life-giving, manner to untold millions through radio, print and television.

Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talks with Tim Jeffries and Joe Reynolds, producers of the popular video series “Sinners and Saints,” which is now filming its third season.

Venerable Fulton J. Sheen will soon be beatified, now that the Vatican has given the green light, the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois, announced Feb. 9. No date or location for the beatification was given.