In 2002, recognizing Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen’s mid-west roots, Bishop Daniel Jenky, C.S.C, of the Diocese of Peoria, officially petitioned the Vatican to open the Cause for Sheen’s beatification and canonization. Witness and documentation to Sheen’s life and sanctity were gathered from around the world. In February 2008, 22 volumes of testimony and evidence were sent to the Congregation of the Causes of the Saints in the Vatican, concluding the diocesan phase of the beatification process. These documents join the testimony of two alleged miracles attributed to Sheen’s intercession sent to the Vatican in 2006.

The Positio (a summation of the life and works of Archbishop Fulton Sheen) was presented to the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI by Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC of the Catholic Diocese of Peoria on May 25, 2011. The Pope mentioned to Bishop Jenky that he knew Archbishop Sheen personally and worked with him during Vatican II.

The Diocesan Inquiry into an alleged miracle through the intercession of the Servant of God was completed on December 11, 2011 by Msgr. Jason Gray. The alleged miracle involved the restoration of a stillborn child, James Fulton Engstrom, after 61 minutes without heartbeat or respiration.

The Sheen Pilgrimage is a spiritual experience centered around prayer, reflection, and celebration. This is an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of a remarkable spiritual leader and grow in faith alongside pilgrims from around the world.