Fulton Sheen sainthood effort halted
Journal Star File PhotoPeoria Bishop Daniel Jenky gives a sermon next to a painting of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen and the sealed box of documentation for the alleged miracle performed by for Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen during Sunday mass Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception.-
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Posted Sep. 3, 2014 @ 4:50 pm
PEORIA — Efforts to canonize Archbishop Fulton Sheen have been suspended indefinitely, the Catholic Diocese of Peoria announced Wednesday afternoon.
In a statement, the diocese said that the process leading to beatification and canonization was being halted, despite having been moving smoothly up until now.
In fact, expectations were for a beatification ceremony as soon as next year, following only a vote by the College of Cardinals and approval by Pope Francis after a 12-year-long effort by the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation headed by Bishop Daniel Jenky.
However, apparently the Archdiocese of New York denied Jenky’s request to move Sheen’s remains to Peoria for the process of official inspection and to take first class relics from the remains.
“After further discussion with Rome, it was decided that the Sheen cause would now have to be relegated to the Congregation’s historic archive,” the diocese said in a statement thanking supporters for the donations of time and money they have made to the cause.
The statement also notes that Jenky had been “personally assured” repeatedly that the transfer of Sheen’s remains would take place, and that the change of mind only occurred after the canonization effort “had reached a significant stage.”
Cautioning that similar efforts have taken decades or centuries, Jenky urged in the statement that supporters should “continue their prayers that God’s will be made manifest.”
Read more: http://www.pjstar.com/article/20140903/News/140909693#ixzz3CIzkhL3i
The proceedings of the Congregation for Saints are confidential for pastoral reasons. It should be obvious that the transfer of the body was not a determinative reason for the cancellation, although that may be cited as a delicate excuse. The Archdiocese of New York has many archives full of private information in addition to the testimony of many who may have been aware of problems. It would seem that there were serious impediments to the cause, and the decision of the Holy See should be obeyed out of respect for the deceased. This could be instructive for those who act out of sentimental affection while unaware of legitimate obstacles.
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