Archbishop Sheen moved closer to beatification

June 28, 2012

Archbishop Fulton Sheen has been declared “venerable,” and may now be beatified if a miracle is attributed to his intercession.

The Vatican Congregation for the Causes of Saints announced on June 28 that Archbishop Sheen—whose television preaching made him one of America’s best-known public figures in the 1960s—had lived a life of “heroic virtue,” and thus qualified for the title “venerable.” The certification of a miracle attributed to his intercession is now the only remaining requirement for his canonization.

Progress toward the beatification of Archbishop Sheen had been slowed by a conflict between the Archdiocese of New York and the Diocese of Peoria, with each claiming responsibility for the cause. The Peoria diocese finally completed a dossier on the prelate’s life and submitted it to the Vatican last year.

The Vatican decree announcing the new honor for Archbishop Sheen was one of a series of decrees released on June 28 regarding candidates for beatification and canonization. [See today’s separate CWN headline story.]

 

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Further information:

• Vatican declares Archbishop Fulton Sheen to be Venerable (Catholic Herald)
• Beatification cause for Archbishop Sheen advancing (CWN, 4/18/11)