Venerable Archbishop Sheen's Family Seeks to Restart Beatification Process

Venerable Fulton Sheen was an American archbishop who was renowned for his preaching and his work on television and radio. His cause for canonization was opened in 2002. In June 2012, Pope Benedict XVI officially recognized a decree from the Congregation for the Causes of Saints stating that Sheen lived a life of "heroic virtues" – an important step towards beatification – thus receiving the designation venerable.

The cause of beatification of Archbishop Sheen was suspended in 2014, after the New York archdiocese refused to move his remains from the crypt of St. Patrick's Cathedral for transfer to Peoria, Illinois. The archdiocese contended that Archbishop Sheen wished to be buried there, and his family had agreed. The Diocese of Peoria, where Sheen was born and ordained to the priesthood has also laid claim to his remains. The family disputes both claims.

This week, in an effort to restart the beatification process, relatives of the archbishop filed a petition with the Supreme Court of the State of New York, requesting that the earthly remains of Venerable Archbishop Sheen be transferred to Peoria. Let us pray that the beatification is allowed to move forward.

Prayer for the Canonization Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen

Heavenly Father, source of all holiness, You raise up within the Church in every age men and women who serve with heroic love and dedication. You have blessed Your Church through the life and ministry of Your faithful servant, Archbishop Fulton J Sheen. He has written and spoken well of Your Divine Son, Jesus Christ, and was a true instrument of the Holy Spirit in touching the hearts of countless people.

If it be according to Your Will, for the honor and glory of the Most Holy Trinity and for the salvation of souls, we ask You to move the Church to proclaim him a saint. We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

Imprimatur: +Most Reverend Daniel R. Jenky, C.S.C., Bishop of Peoria

Archbishop Fulton Sheen: God Is My Light