On Wednesday Dec. 9, Archbishop Fulton Sheen will be remembered in a memorial Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, the 30th anniversary of his death. New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan will celebrate the Mass, joined by cardinals, bishops and priests from across the U.S. The Mass at St. Patrick’s is the center of more than 200 Masses being said, in all 50 states and around the world, in memory of the iconic television bishop and writer.

Is Archbishop Sheen still relevant today? Msgr. Stanley Deptula, executive director of the Fulton J. Sheen Foundation, thinks so.

“At the heart of where I see his relevance was the courageous way he embraced the challenges of the modern world. The world isn’t all that different from when he was in his prime. He was never afraid of challenges inside or outside the Church, and he used every modern means to reach people,” said Msgr. Deptula. “He utilized radio and television, giving us a great example to stand up to the challenges of our time using modern means of technology to lead others to Christ and his Church.”

Currently, Archbishop Sheen’s cause is being investigated by the Vatican. In February 2008, his home Diocese of Peoria, Ill., finished its investigation, sending 22 volumes testifying to his virtue and sanctity to Rome. Those volumes will be summarized into three volumes and presented to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

The cause currently has two fully documented alleged miracles that are awaiting the testimony of Rome.