Peoria (Fides Service) - The diocese of Peoria in Illinois (USA) has opened the process of beatification for Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen (1895-1979) who was also national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies Propagation of the Faith and St Peter Apostle in the United States from 1950 to 1966. Professor of philosophy at the Catholic University of Washington, Mgr Sheen was considered one of America's greatest preachers. He spoke mainly on television to audiences of an average of 35 million, of all religions, Catholics, Jews, Protestants. Besides being passionately involved in education, Mgr Sheen started the Christ to the World magazine, and he wrote 300 books. He was known for his sense of humour and good spirits. When he met Pope John Paul II in Rome, the Pope told Mgr Sheen, who died shortly afterwards, "You have worked well for our Holy Mother Church". (SL) (Fides Service 19/12/2002)