Pope Recognizes 'heroic virtues' of late American Archbishop Fulton Sheen

Fulton Sheen declared venerable. Cause for beatification moves forward

The following excerpt is from RomeReports.com:

The Pope has formally recognized the 'heroic virtues' of late American Archbishop Fulton Sheen. He's mostly known for his work as a 'televangelist' during his 20 year career in radio and television. In fact, he was recognized with two EMMY awards for his work on the show. He also served as the Archbishop of New York and Rochester in the 50's and 60's.

The decree signed by the Pope, recognizes that Sheen exemplified Christian values in his life. It also furthers his cause for beatification. In the next step, the Vatican must acknowledge that a documented miracle happened through the intercession of Sheen. If it's approved by experts, theologians and the Pope, it could further his cause for beatification and eventually sainthood.

Sheen's cause for beatification was opened in 2002. He died at the age of 84 in 1979 after a lifetime of work in the Church.

A Church Tribunal is Investigating a Possible Miracle of Archbishop Fulton Sheen

Possible miracle of Archbishop Fulton Sheen under investigation

The following news story is from RomeReports.com:

(Romereports.com) - He's remembered as a preacher, archbishop and a gifted communicator. His name was Fulton Sheen, a dynamic priest who became a well known television personality in the 1950's.

Years later, his name is making headlines once again. A Church tribunal is investigating whether a newborn was saved through the intercession of archbishop Sheen. If it's confirmed, it could further his cause for beatification.

The alleged miracle happened in Pioria, Illinois where Sheen was ordained. It all started over a year ago, when Bonnie Engstrom and her husband were expecting a baby boy. They prayed that Sheen would look after the pregnancy. In fact, they decided the boy's middle named would be Fulton.

Despite a healthy pregnancy, the baby was delivered, but without a pulse. The boy's parents told the Catholic Post that for 61 minutes, the boy had no heartbeat. It was the longest minute of their lives. They began praying to Sheen, and within seconds he was baptized under the name James Fulton. CPR was performed and experts were called in. Eventually, his little heart started beating.

His parents were told that the boy might be blind. They also told them, his medical condition could be unstable. A year later, his parents say, he's doing just fine.

The family is convinced that archbishop Sheen played a role in the boy's survival. They say the gifted communicator and EMMY award winner, is also their miracle worker.

For now, witnesses and medical data will be analyzed in Pioria. Once the tribunal makes its case, the file will then go to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome. That team, will then pass its own conclusion and recommendations to the pope.

Sheen Intercession Cited in Boy's Alleged Miraculous Healing

Photograph from The Catholic Post

The Catholic Post : Featured Article - Sheen intercession cited in area boy's alleged miraculous healing

The following excerpt is from the Catholic Post:

By Jennifer Willems

That James Fulton Engstrom is celebrating his first birthday on Friday is amazing. In fact, some would call his life a miracle.

Considered stillborn on Sept. 16, 2010 after a healthy pregnancy and “a beautiful, short labor,” James was without a pulse for the first 61 minutes of his life. It was only when doctors at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria were ready to call the time of death that his little heart started beating.

His parents, Travis and Bonnie Engstrom, believe James is alive due to the intercession of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, Servant of God.

On Sept. 7, a tribunal of inquiry was sworn in to investigate the Goodfield tot’s alleged miraculous healing. Joining James and his family at the ceremony in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel in the Spalding Renewal Center in Peoria were Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC; Dr. Andrea Ambrosi, postulator for Archbishop Sheen’s cause for beatification and canonization; and members of the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation board, some of whom are relatives of the late archbishop.

Read more: Miraculous Healing