Remains of archbishop known for TV preaching can be moved
PEORIA, Ill. — The remains of famous Roman Catholic Archbishop Fulton Sheen can be moved to Illinois from New York, nearly 40 years after his death, a judge said.
Joan Sheen Cunningham, 90, believes moving her uncle’s remains to Peoria, Illinois, will improve his cause for sainthood. New York Supreme Court Judge Arlene Bluth said that is a “laudable purpose.”
“It makes no sense, given his lifelong devotion to the Catholic Church, that he would choose a location — New York City — over the chance to become a saint,” Bluth said Friday, calling Sheen a “legendary figure.”
Sheen’s remains are at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan. Cunningham sued the cathedral and the Archdiocese of New York, which have opposed her wishes.