Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen was famous for his television series, Life is Worth Living, which ran from February 12, 1952 to April 8, 1957 in which he proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ through stirring sermons and stories. He was noted for his dedicated spiritual life, particularly for a daily Holy Hour of prayer before Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. His courage in boldly preaching Christ Jesus and the Catholic faith to not only Catholic but secular radio and television audiences cannot be disputed. Venerable Archbishop Sheen was also hailed for his humorous and charismatic delivery of his fascinating lectures.
According to the diocese of Peoria, Venerable Archbishop Fulton J Sheen’s cause for beatification has been postponed even though a miracle has been investigated and has been attributed to him. Furthermore, the diocese of Peoria claims that there have been many more miracles attributed to him. I need to ask him for one more and pray for his canonization. My husband and I are starting today on June 11, 2020 which is the day he was consecrated a bishop and which today happens to be the feast day of Corpus Christi. We will be saying the canonization prayer and asking for a 7-fold miracle (With God all things are possible!!!) until December 9, 2020 which is the day he died and which happens to be the 31st wedding anniversary of my husband and myself. We will be starting our prayers today on the feast of Corpus Christi at a Holy Hour of Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament at our church.
The steps for becoming a saint are these:
- After a person has died, the title of Servant of God must be declared by a bishop
- The Pope must propose beatification for the person
- The person ‘s life and deeds will be scrutinized by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints to see if that person lived a life of “heroic virtue”. If the Congregation passes the person, the case is then presented to the Pope who makes the final decision. If the Pope signs off on the Congregation’s findings, the person is given the title of “Venerable”
- In order to proceed to beatification (to earn the title of Blessed) at least one miracle must have occurred through the intercession of the deceased person. This miracle is scrutinized by the Congregation and signed off by the Pope.
- In order to further proceed towards canonization, there must be another miracle which the Congregation examines and the Pope signs off on. if he does, the person will be canonized a saint.
Some other caveats are:
1 Those who prayed for the miracle that occurred had to have only prayed to the deceased person in question.
2. There is a wait of 5 years before a case for eventual canonization can be made.
3. The Pope can waive the 5 year wait period. Pope John Paul II waived it for Mother Teresa and Pope Benedict XVI waived it for Pope John Paul II. Both Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II are now saints.
Prayer for Canonization
Through the intercession of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception
Heavenly Father, source of all holiness, You raise up within the Church in every age men and women who serve with heroic love and dedication. You have blessed Your Church through the life and ministry of Your faithful servant, Archbishop Fulton J Sheen. He has written and spoken well of Your Divine Son, Jesus Christ, and was a true instrument of the Holy Spirit in touching the hearts of countless people.
If it be according to Your Will, for the honor and glory of the Most Holy Trinity and for the salvation of souls, we ask You to move the Church to proclaim him a saint. We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
PRAYER TO OBTAIN A FAVOR THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF THE SERVANT OF GOD ARCHBISHOP FULTON J. SHEEN
Eternal Father, You alone grant us every blessing in Heaven and on earth, through the redemptive mission of Your Divine Son, Jesus Christ, and by the working of the Holy Spirit. If it be according to Your Will, glorify Your servant, ARCHBISHOP FULTON J. SHEEN, by granting the favor I now request through his prayerful intercession (mention your request). I make this prayer confidently through Jesus Christ,our Lord. Amen.