Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, Cause for Sainthood

0n 6/27/19 remains for veneration of Fulton Sheen returned to his hometown diocese of Peoria,Il. Here many work to promote and proclaim Venerable Sheen among the blessed- “he who inspired many to follow Christ during his life, and may continue to inspire others.” ( Fr Alexander Millar, Pastor,Cathedral of St Mary of The Immaculate Conception).

On the weekend of 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 6, 2019, a declaration by Pope Francis acclaimed the miracles of Venerable Sheen were found to be miraculous; enabling the movement toward canonization to sainthood to move forward. Thus the cathedral was opened to the public “to come and adore.” An appropriate Sunday in gospel readings as Jesus anointed 72 others to be sent to every town and place he intended to visit. He added, “ The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few…”

Along with others we waited admittance outside the great stone entrance. The full spectrum of human nature was on display. Some were eager to enter the sanctuary, wanting to pray or ask for an intercession by Venerable Sheen. Another asked, “Why? He is dead and gone.” Yet someone else says,” I remember our family listening carefully, even joyfully to his broadcasts. Mother would be holding hands with the children to encourage each to listen.” Another added, “We didn’t have a tv but we knew who he was.”

“ His Tuesday night competition was Jewish comedian Milton Berle,” quoted another. Was there a study to determine which had the most audience? That night each family had to choose like the Israelites of Moses’ time- God or the golden calf?

My mother always thought of another preacher: Paul, who proclaimed the word of God to both Jew and Gentile. He said the way to God was open to all who accepted God’s grace and love and mercy. It was God’s will that all would be saved. To do that Paul and Archbishop Sheen did not condemn, did not speak in anger, but spoke in love, “hating the sin, but loving the sinner.”

In both Paul and Sheen one could see the love of God which was shown forth in their writings and speech. The man whom one could see, who spoke so eloquently and lovingly, was one whom others could trust that God’s love was for them too.

The time has come to honor a great man of God from the Midwest- the heartland of America open to love and trust inGod’s words of love.
Let us rejoice and be glad!