The press release just landed in my in-box:
The Diocese of Peoria will host a Mass and groundbreaking ceremony that will honor the life and legacy of Ven. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.
The event marks the first step of the Sheen Foundation and the Diocese of Peoria’s reimagining and transformation of the Spalding Institute, the diocesan high school from which Sheen graduated, into an immersive cultural center honoring the life and legacy of the beloved Catholic televangelist, where faith, history and innovation will meet to inspire generations.
The plan for the center will be discussed, including how visitors will one day be able to step into Sheen’s world and be invited to live out a faith-infused life rooted in his vision through interactive exhibit spaces, multimedia installations, a media and viewing room, and archival artifacts.
The website is impressive and notes ways to “immerse yourself in Sheen’s profound legacy” (most of which, to me, has a very Epcot-ish vibe, but I bet that will be a draw and please the Peoria Chamber of Commerce).
Some details:
The Experience Room — Step into a cutting-edge interactive space where you’ll not only journey through the past but also be inspired to live with Sheen’s burning love for the living God.
A Modern Museum — Leveraging best practices from premier museums worldwide, this space offers in intimate look at never-before-seen artifacts and insights into Archbishop Sheen’s life, from his early years to his priesthood and lasting impact. This room narrates the profound story behind Sheen himself called “A Treasure in Clay.” Fortunately, we have the problem that we are outgrowing the present space we have in our Sheen Museum.
Media and Viewing Room — Dive into Sheen’s vast collection of recordings in a dedicated media room, complete with a new studio for broadcasts and podcasts.
Archives and Reading Room — Delve into Sheen’s extensive writings and publications, with facilities for visitors to study these treasured documents.
Meeting and Conference Rooms — Designed to host a diverse array of visitors, including pilgrims, school groups, seminarians, and the general public, these rooms foster fellowship, learning, reflection, and prayer, all inspired by Sheen.
Outdoor Spaces — Extend your experience beyond the conference rooms with beautiful outdoor areas that offer a stunning view of the Cathedral of Saint Mary, perfect for meetings and events.
Gift Shop — Explore a grand gift shop featuring all 66 of Sheen’s books, alongside a wide selection of other Catholic literature. Here, you can also find rosaries, photographs, and memorabilia.
The video below gives an idea of what to expect.
