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.]
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- Vatican declares Archbishop Fulton Sheen to be Venerable (Catholic Herald)
- Beatification cause for Archbishop Sheen advancing (CWN, 4/18/11)
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!