A distressing development has occurred with the canonization process for the Servant of God Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen has been suspended by the Bishop of Peoria, Daniel Jenky, CSC. The issue seems to be the refusal of the Archdiocese of New York to return the mortal remains of Sheen to his home diocese of Peoria; the archbishop died in 1979 at the age of 84, and was entombed in the crypt of the famed Cathedral of Saint Patrick. Earlier that year he met Pope John Paul II in Saint Patrick's Cathedral in a terrific embrace of brothers. The life and work of Archbishop Sheen might be likened to being a 20th century Saint Dominic of Guzman. After serving for three years (1966-69) as the Bishop of Rochester (NY), Fulton returned to New York City. The diocesan phase of the process was concluded in 2008.
Bishop Jenky's statement follows:
It is with great sadness and disappointment, Bishop Jenky announces that after nine years of effort and sacrifice, the Diocese of Peoria is suspending its efforts on behalf of the Beatification of Fulton J. Sheen. The Archdiocese of New York has made it clear that it is not likely that they will ever transfer the remains of Fulton J. Sheen to his home diocese of Peoria. The Bishop hopes that the Archdiocese of New York, in whose Cathedral crypt the earthly remains of the Servant of God are still entombed, might now assume this responsibility. In this endeavor he would pledge the cooperation of his diocese. The bishop urges the clergy, faithful and religious of Peoria to continue to pray for the Cause of Archbishop Sheen whose heroic virtues in announcing the Gospel and serving the poor were an extraordinary blessing in the life of the Catholic Church. The bishop would also like to remind all in his diocese and all those throughout the world who have so enthusiastically supported the Sheen Cause that finally it is only God who makes saints, not men.
The Diocese of Peoria remains committed to promote the message of the great priest, Fulton J. Sheen within our Diocese and to continue to develop our museum and research center devoted to his life.
I am very dissapointed by the news that Bishop Jenky has taken the stance on the process of the Cause for Archbishop Fulton J Sheen's canonization proceeding unimpeded only if the great man's remains are returned to the Diocese of Peoria. I do not understand why such a demand should be profered by Bishop Jenky, in regard to the remains of Sheen who has been hailed as a Servant of God, for it does not exhibit a servant minded attitude on the part of Bishop Jenky. Jesus Christ who is the Great Servant King was born in Nazareth, but His greatest work was accomplished in Jerusalem. Yes, I know that this analogy breaks down once we speak of mortal remains, as the Resurrection of Jesus Christ left no mortal remains! However, the point is that the great work of Archbishop Sheen as Servant of God was accomplished in the Archdiocese of New York, not in Peoria. It is to New York City, not Peoria, that the millions of faithful from all around the world have come and will continue to come to pray at the crypt of the great future saint. We all pray that Bishop Jenky might reconsider his decision and rejoice in the hope of a speedy process for the Cause of Archbishop Fulton J Sheen toward sainthood. ... "God Love You", Zuzana Malavasic