Cause for beatification of Abp. Sheen stalled by fight over his corpse

Walt has been following the cause for the beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, who could be called the first (and only) Catholic televangelist. Walt hesitates to use that word, though, as it calls to mind a negative stereotype. Abp. Sheen was was not the "hallelujah-send-me-your-love-offerings" type. Rather, in his Life Is Worth Living TV series, he brought understanding of the Faith and hope for salvation to millions in America and around the world.

In January 2011, Walt posted "Cause for beatification of Archbishop Sheen revived". 18 months later we read "Archbishop Sheen a step closer to being beatified". And this past June came the good news "Vatican experts verify authenticity of miracle attributed to intercession of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen".

The miracle referred to was the revival -- bringing back to life -- of Bonnie Engstrom's stillborn baby, after she prayed for Archbishop Sheen's intercession. That miracle should fulfill the last formal requirement for the prelate's beatification, but, as Andrea Tornielli reports in his Vatican Insider blog, there's been a hitch.

Earlier this week, Most Rev. Daniel Jenky, Bishop of Peoria, announced "with immense sadness" that the Vatican has decided to suspend the cause for Archbishop Sheen's beatification, after failing to reach an agreement with the Archdiocese of New York about the transfer of Archbishop Sheen's remains.

The problem is that, before a beatification can be finalized, the remains of the deceased must be inspected and first-class relics prepared. This would normally be done in the place where the person to be beatified was buried. Archbishop Sheen is buried in St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York, as the Archdiocese insists was his wish, but the cause for beatification is being led by the Diocese of Peoria, where Archbishop Sheen was born and raised, and began his priesthood. Hence the conflict.

Bishop Jenky said that he had been "personally assured on several occasions" that the New York archdiocese would cooperate in the transfer, but New York officials later withdrew their support and Vatican officials were unable to negotiate an agreement. Rev. Joseph Zwilling, speaking for the Archdiocese of New York, said on the day following Bishop Jenky's announcement that the archdiocese had not received any order from the Vatican for removal of Archbishop Sheen's remains. And, he added, the Sheen family does not wish the archbishop's remains to be moved.

It all seems rather unseemly, doesn't it. The word "unchristian" springs to mind. Mrs. Engstrom told a Catholic newspaper that her family was "incredibly saddened and confused" by the news that the cause had stalled, but she would continue to pray for an end to the impasse. As should all good Catholics.