Posted on 09/07/2014 10:05:25 AM PDT by marshmallow
Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen was one of the most dynamic preachers of the Catholic Faith in the twentieth century. Anyone familiar with his work in media knows the power of his influence and example. He was clearly one of the most notable products of the American Catholic revival that began in the 1920s, and the strength of his witness continues to impress today. His books remain eminently approachable, an astonishing achievement for one so gifted academically. Shining through his telegenic smile, one could sense the depth of his faith and his holiness.
The cause of Sheen’s canonization proceeded on its standard course for a long time. Introduced by local ordinaries, the faith of those touched by his example generated a spontaneous cult—the most fundamental ingredient for public recognition of sainthood in the Catholic Church. But devotion on earth must be coupled with testimony from heaven, a fact ascertained by the certification of a miracle by both medical and theological experts. Sheen seemed well on his way to the honors of the altar.
Yet a simmering debate has arisen between the Archdiocese of New York, where Sheen lived much of his life and did much of his outstanding ministry, and the diocese of Peoria, from whence he hailed. As a preliminary step to beatification and canonization there must be a canonical recognition of the body, with the attendant removal of first-class relics. This corresponds to the classical Christian rite of “elevation,” or the removal of the potential saint’s body to a position of honor and reverence, thereby both recognizing the cult accorded by the faithful and encouraging its further development. But the process has been stopped in this case by the refusal of Cardinal Dolan to transfer the body.
The Catholic world has been shocked by this and somewhat troubled, seeing.....
(Excerpt) Read more at crisismagazine.com ...
Indubitably.
The Fulton Sheen I remember would laugh out loud about the hubris associated with wrangling over his remains or the disposition of his spirit.
As for miracles, think of Bishop Sheen entering the living rooms of Catholics, Protestants and Jews to deliver a TV homily with the welcome mat out. Then think of him blowing Milton Berle nearly off the chart in the process. Now that is a miracle, if not a gift from the grand puppeteer.
Guys like Milton Berle and Sid Caesar put out material that was both family oriented and sensational, and would be funny today i.e. six decades after the fact. Fulton J. Sheen delivering a sermon more popular than Berle...well, it's impossible.
It says right here it's a miracle. We could seriously use to have a reincarnation of Sheen burst upon the scene today.
It is critical that the body is not disturbed. The coffin must be sealed and not tampered with prior to examination.
Fr. thinks that perhaps they are concerned that various relics may be taken from the body.
So your parish priest thinks it’s not Cardinal Archbishop Dolan, it’s “the Vatican.” - Duh. . .
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