News
Diocese confirms promises were broken regarding Sheen Cause
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- Published on Friday, 05 September 2014 17:27
- Written by Paul Gordon
Promises made 12 years ago by the Archdiocese of New York prompted Bishop Daniel Jenky to begin pursuing sainthood for Archibishop Fulton Sheen, the central Illinois native who was ordained in Peoria.
It was an apparent reneging of those promises that prompted Jenky to suspend the Bishop Sheen Cause this week, said the Peoria Diocese in a news release Friday issued to clarify what was behind the suspension.
The attorney for the Archdiocese of New York said in a letter to Jenky received in late June that it “would never allow the examination of the body, the securing of relics or the transfer of the body” to Peoria, as had been promised by Cardinal Egan of New York in September 2002.
“Upon receiving this shocking statement and consulting with advisors to the Sheen Cause, Bishop Jenky believed that he had no choice but to stop his efforts and suspend the Cause,” the news release said. It added, however, that Jenky continues to hope the promises ultimately will be honored.
Patricia Gibson, chancellor or the Peoria Diocese, said in the release that Jenky only agreed to pursue canonization for Sheen after he was assured by Cardinal Egan that the Archdiocese of New York, where Sheen served his final years, had no interest in doing so. Cardinal Egan, she said, also indicated that at the appropriate time he would facilitate the transfer of the body to Peoria. In December 2004, Cardinal Egan again confirmed at a meeting in New York with Bishop Jenky that he continued to support the efforts of the Cause and reassured him that he would work to transfer the body at the appropriate time to be enshrined in the Peoria Cathedral.”
Now is that time, with a miracle attributed to Sheen and approval for beatification awaiting only the College of Cardinals and, ultimately, Pope Francis, Gibson said.
“It is essential to realize that Bishop Jenky now feels a great responsibility to be faithful to the thousands of supporters throughout Central Illinois, the nation and the world, in regard to the status of the cause. From the beginning, Bishop Jenky sought assurances that New York did not want to undertake the Cause and would support Peoria’s efforts. This assurance was given before the process ever began. Bishop Jenky also confirmed that at the appropriate time Fulton Sheen’s body would be transferred to his boyhood home and be placed in a shrine in St. Mary’s Cathedral where he was ordained.” Gibson said.
“Over the last 12 years, countless people have offered their time and financial support for these efforts in order not only to spread the word about Fulton Sheen’s virtues and holiness but also to prepare a shrine in Peoria upon his beatification. After New York clearly turned down the Cause, Peoria was happy to put forth the lengthy work and effort because of how much he is loved by the priests and lay faithful in this Diocese,” she said.
The release said the Peoria Diocese has heard from several of Sheen’s relatives wanting Jenky to continue pursing the transfer of Sheen’s remains to Peoria.
“The actions taken by Bishop Jenky this week reflect his strong desire to be true to the countless supporters of the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Cause who for over 12 years have labored and supported bringing the message of Fulton Sheen and his sanctity to the world. Bishop Jenky continues to hope that the promises made 12 years ago will be honored,” Gibson said.
