Body Wars: Inside Info about Fulton Sheen Controversy (w/ New York’s Response)
Yesterday, the Diocese of Peoria shocked the Catholic world when Bishop Daniel Jenky announced that the beatification of Venerable Fulton J. Sheen had been suspended indefinitely. After a miracle attributed to Sheen’s intercession was approved by a board of medical reviewers and theologians, most people expected his beatification to take place sometime next year (in fact, I predicted Pope Francis would do it himself during his America visit in September 2015 for the World Meeting of Families.)
But Bishop Jenky, “heartbroken” and writing with “immense sadness,” explained that, “After further discussion with Rome, it was decided that the Sheen Cause would now have to be relegated to the Congregation’s historic archive.”
Why the sudden change? It seems the Diocese of Peoria and the Archdiocese of New York remain at odds about Sheen’s body, which is currently buried in New York’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral:
“The Holy See expected that the remains of Venerable Sheen would be moved to Peoria where official inspection would be made and first class relics be taken. Subsequently, the Archdiocese of New York denied Bishop Jenky’s request to move the body to Peoria…
Countless supporters especially from the local church in Central Illinois have given their time, treasure and talent for this good work with the clear understanding that the body of Venerable Sheen would return to the Diocese. Bishop Jenky was personally assured on several occasions by the Archdiocese of New York that the transfer of the body would take place at the appropriate time. New York’s change of mind took place as the work on behalf of the Cause had reached a significant stage.”
The Catholic blogosphere resounded yesterday with shock, dismay, and confusion. Things just didn’t seem to make sense. Why would Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York prefer keeping Sheen’s body there, even if it threatened his cause for beatification? Why would Bishop Jenky go public with this apparently ad intra dispute, scandalizing many Sheen fans and Cardinal Dolan supporters?
I reached out to a close friend of mine, who is intimately involved in the cause, to see if there was more to the story. He shared the following background information, on the condition of anonymity:
“I found out [about the suspension of the cause] with the rest of us, so I don’t really know anything about what happened today. I know I can trust you to keep my name confidential for now until I can verify some of what is below and speak with certainty. You cannot quote me by name, but I could share what I picked up a few weeks ago. This will at least give you some background. You might also search for articles in the New York Times and the Illinois papers on the subject over the years.
From what I understand, the Archdiocese of New York got their civil lawyers involved, and they refused to even let Sheen’s tomb be opened, as required by the Canonical process at this point. They said that all this talk of relics and remains is distasteful to Americans. (I guess they have not seen the crowds venerating John Paul II, Mother Teresa, or the relics of the Little Flower.)
I don’t think Cardinal Dolan is involved in this decision directly, but probably following his advisers.
Once the lawyers expressed their unwillingness to open the tomb, Bishop Jenky contacted the Congregation for Saints to say that the cause was at a stopping point until the remains could be inspected. He asked for their help to get that done. Instead of offering help, they responded that they would be forced to archive the cause, since it was at a stopping point, and that Peoria and New York would have to “work it out among yourselves.” I suspect that the Congregation did not have their best officials manning the desks in July!
Now, that was over two months ago, and I think Bishop Jenky was trying to see if something could be worked out just to inspect the remains, but when New York continued to give an absolute no, he felt himself constrained to announce things publicly.
I should add that I have personally seen letters from the Holy See saying the body should be in Peoria, and also letters from the Archbishops of New York agreeing to this.
Also, Sheen did not ask to be buried in St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Cardinal Cooke insisted on that. I believe Sheen asked to be buried with other priests in a cemetery in the Bronx. The great majority of his remaining family now is in favor of the body and tomb being located in Peoria.
As I said, these are things I have pieced together, from what I’ve heard. They should definitely be verified before I would associate my name with them.
Like all of us who admire Fulton Sheen, I hope this dispute can be resolved cordially and quickly.”
There was a bit of uplifting news this morning when Catholic News Agency interviewed the Postulator of the cause, Dr. Andrea Ambrosi. He said he “has been aware of the issue regarding the transfer of Archbishop Sheen’s remains, but does not believe that this will be a lasting impediment.” He expects “that the suspension of the cause will be temporary, since there are many people still committed to this cause and the Beatification of Archbishop Sheen.”
Finally, just a few minutes ago, Joseph Zwilling, the Director of Communications for the Archdiocese of New York, released the following statement on behalf of the archdiocese:
“The Archdiocese of New York joins Bishop Daniel Jenky of the Diocese of Peoria in his invitation to prayer that “God’s will be made manifest” concerning the cause for sainthood of Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. People have approached us for some background and we hope this helps, following the announcement yesterday from the Diocese of the Peoria, that the cause had been suspended.
Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen expressly stated his desire that his remains be buried in New York, a request that was granted by Cardinal Terrence Cooke when he was laid to rest beside the Archbishops of New York in the crypt beneath the high altar of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. To date, the only official instruction that the Archdiocese of New York has received from the Holy See regarding this matter was, from a decade ago, that his body not be moved to Peoria. To date, we have not received any further direction or request from the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. In addition, Archbishop Sheen’s closest surviving family members have also expressed their desire that their uncle’s wishes be respected and that his body remain in New York.
The Congregation for the Causes of Saints did recently ask the Archdiocese of New York and the Diocese of Peoria to enter into a dialogue to see if there was a way to continue progress in moving the cause forward. Discussions with Peoria centered on two areas: the possible exhumation and study of the body; and the possible collection of “first class relics” of Archbishop Sheen. Cardinal Timothy Dolan did express a hesitance in exhuming the body, unless the Congregation for the Causes of Saints directed that it be done, unless the process was approved by the family, that it be done modestly and reverently, and that the exhumation met the requirements of New York State law. He consulted with the family, who gave their approval if it would help advance the cause.
Regarding first-class relics, Cardinal Dolan does object to the dismemberment of the Archbishop’s body. However, if the body is exhumed, there is the strong likelihood that some relics would be present in the coffin, which could be reverently collected without disturbing the body, and then shared generously with the Diocese of Peoria. The family is at peace with this; and we will await directions from Rome.
Immense gratitude is due to the Diocese of Peoria and to Bishop Jenky for the leadership they have shown in advancing the cause of Archbishop Sheen to its current status. If, however, the decision of the Diocese of Peoria is final to suspend the cause for Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, and assign it to the Congregation for the Causes of Saint’s historical archives, the Archdiocese of New York would welcome the opportunity to assume responsibility for the cause in an attempt to move it forward, if such were in accord with the Diocese of Peoria and the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, hoping Bishop Jenky’s excellent work would continue and his eloquent prayers answered.”
May we all pray this situation resolves quickly, so that one of the greatest evangelists of the twentieth century can be recognized, celebrated, and imitated for generations to come.
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