A ruling on the requested transfer of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen's remains to Peoria is expected in the coming weeks.

Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, asked for continued prayers for the sainthood cause of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen and diocesan leaders expressed optimism following a Nov. 1 hearing in the Supreme Court of the State of New York regarding the transfer of the famed orator and media pioneer’s remains to Peoria.

Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Arlene Bluth heard arguments from lawyers for Archbishop Sheen’s niece, Joan Sheen Cunningham, as well as those from the Archdiocese of New York during an hourlong hearing on Tuesday.

In June, the family of Archbishop Sheen filed petition with the court to allow the transfer for the sainthood candidate’s remains to Peoria, where he was raised and ordained a priest. The Archdiocese of New York is seeking to have his remains kept at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, where he was entombed following his death on Dec. 9, 1979.

“The diocese is quite confident the judge is going to rule in Joan’s favor,” said Msgr. James Kruse, vicar general, who was among the Diocese of Peoria’s representatives attending the hearing. In a telephone interview as The Catholic Post went to press on Tuesday, he said the discussions included several “positive moments for us.”

A ruling is expected in the coming weeks, said Msgr. Kruse.

The Diocese of Peoria has been a promoter of Archbishop Sheen’s canonization cause for 14 years.