STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE TRUSTEES OF SAINT PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL

by Joseph Zwilling on behalf of the Trustees of Saint Patrick's Cathedral

STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE TRUSTEES OF SAINT PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL

The Trustees of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, along with the entire Archdiocese of New York, have long prayed for and looked forward to the Beatification and Canonization of Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.  The Diocese of Peoria has done the Church a great service in advancing the Cause thus far. 
  
However, the Trustees of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral have an obligation to  respect the wishes of Archbishop Sheen, as clearly stated in his will and earlier insisted upon by his niece, that he be buried in New York.  We will review this decision carefully with our attorneys and determine what next steps might be taken. 
  
The process of beatification and canonization focuses only on where the soul of a person is, not on where an individual’s mortal remains might be.  The Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome has advised us that the cause can progress without any transfer of the remains.  We hope that his cause is reopened without any further delay, and pray that soon, if it be God’s will, we will be able to rejoice in his being declared a saint.