The New York Court of Appeals has dismissed an appeal of an earlier judgement allowing Venerable Fulton Sheen’s remains to be moved to the Cathedral of St. Mary in Peoria, in accordance with his family’s wishes.
The May 2 dismissal of the Archdiocese of New York’s appeal could pave the way for the Illinois-born archbishop’s beatification.
“After almost three years of litigation, the New York Archdiocese’ legal arguments have now been rejected at all three levels of the New York state court system,” the Diocese of Peoria said May 6.
The court found that Sheen lived his life with heaven and sainthood as his ultimate goals, which should be considered in the present dispute.
The Diocese of Peoria voiced hope that the beatification efforts for Sheen may now move forward, with Sheen’s body in Peoria. In a March statement, the diocese said that the courts have had ample opportunity to consider the arguments raised by New York, but have ultimately found them unavailing.
Full story at Catholic News Agency.
Hope this will finally work out well! As a lifelong fan of Ven. Abp. Fulton J. Sheen– I would LOVE to make a little pilgrimage to the Shrine of Ven. Sheen, after they build one, in St. Mary’s Cathedral, in Peoria! Hopefully, it may contain some special first-class relics! I would also love to see the places where Ven. Sheen lived and grew up, and the little place where his memorabilia is displayed! If Ven. Sheen becomes a Saint someday– no doubt, there will be many healings of the sick, as well as many Catholic conversions– for which he was so famous, in his lifetime!
Why does the location of the body matter for beatification?
mike m. — the Archdiocese of New York did not initiate Ven. Abp. Sheen’s Cause for Canonization. Instead, the procedure was carried out in the Diocese of Peoria, under their Bishop’s supervision. All Causes for Canonization require the approval and supervision of the Diocesan Bishop.
mike m. — the body of the Sainthood candidate has to be buried in the Diocese of their Cause for Canonization– and the body must be dug up and examined, for possible miracles– such as the state of incorruption. Also, first-class relics are collected (parts of the physical body– even a few hairs, a tooth, a fingernail clippimg– anything, to place in a holy reliquary, for the Catholic Faithful to revere– it also may produce miracles!! Also, a Shrine to the Saint may be near the burial– or include it.
It is such a shame that the canonization process for this servant, who St. John Paul the Great referred to as “a true son of the Church” to be delayed by petty bickering between two dioceses.
Looking forward to full canonization!!!
Really unfortunate and tacky episode….not at all becoming considering the individual around whom the effort for canonization revolves. He would most certainly not approve of it all…
Today, May 8th, is Ven. Abp. Sheen’s Birthday! He was born May 8, 1895– 124 years ago! I can’t believe he is now passed into the realms of history! Seems like just yesterday, we were happily viewing his wonderful TV show, and eagerly buying his latest book! LOVED Ven. Abp. Sheen!!
Very true. He wrote articles for the World Book Encyclopedia that I read as a child. It was those writings and those of his other books and his TV program that convinced me of most of the Church’s teachings, especially about the perpetual Virginity of Mary. He gave Biblical references as to how the “brothers” of the Lord were not the sons of the Virgin Mary but the sons of other family members.
Happy Birthday Venerable Archbishop Sheen. Please pray for us.