Cause for Archbishop Fulton Sheen - Suspended

I was told about this over dinner yesterday, I was shocked then (partly because I didn't believe it), but it's true. The Diocese of Peoria has had to suspend the cause for canonisation of Archbishop Fulton Sheen.

It is with great sadness and disappointment, Bishop Jenky announces that after nine years of effort and sacrifice, the Diocese of Peoria is suspending its efforts on behalf of the Beatification of Fulton J. Sheen. The Archdiocese of New York has made it clear that it is not likely that they will ever transfer the remains of Fulton J. Sheen to his home diocese of Peoria. The Bishop hopes that the Archdiocese of New York, in whose Cathedral crypt the earthly remains of the Servant of God are still entombed, might now assume this responsibility. In this endeavor he would pledge the cooperation of his diocese. The bishop urges the clergy, faithful and religious of Peoria to continue to pray for the Cause of Archbishop Sheen whose heroic virtues in announcing the Gospel and serving the poor were an extraordinary blessing in the life of the Catholic Church. The bishop would also like to remind all in his diocese and all those throughout the world who have so enthusiastically supported the Sheen Cause that finally it is only God who makes saints, not men.

The Diocese of Peoria remains committed to promote the message of the great priest, Fulton J. Sheen within our Diocese and to continue to develop our museum and research center devoted to his life.

I pray that the Archbishop of New York may change his mind!

In Domino

I'm not sure when this happpened, but having just found out about it, it is new to me!

Westminster Succession

Should Catholics in England and Wales be eagerly anticipating the appointment to the See of Westminster? I think the announcement is likely to be made by the end of the month. Much has been said in the blogsphere about the succession, some of it quite nasty.

But what are we looking for in the future leader of the English and Welsh Church? Someone charismatic? Someone who inspires those around him, especially the young? Someone who has a proven track record of sound theological and doctrinal knowledge? Someone who isn't afraid of tradition, but understands that in Britain there is a balance between orthodoxy and 'liberalism'?

Personally i think the future Arch. of Westminster needs all the above characteristics...the question is: who fits the bill??

Hopefully the appointment will be made from a cleric currently serving in the U.K. - no necessarily one of the current hierarchy!!