EDITOR’S NOTE: The Catholic Diocese of Peoria issued the following news release on Sunday, June 9, 2019. See related story here:

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On June 7, 2019, the New York Court of Appeals, the state’s highest court, rejected the final appeal of the Archdiocese of New York seeking to overturn earlier court decisions granting permission for Joan Sheen Cunningham to transfer the remains of her uncle, Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen. For over three years, the New York Archdiocese has been attempting to block Joan Sheen Cunningham’s petition to transfer the remains from New York to Peoria. This latest ruling marks the final decision of the New York court system. Joan Sheen Cunningham can now carry out her desire to transfer her uncle’s remains to Peoria.

Bishop Jenky is overjoyed and elated that, for the fifth time, the New York courts have upheld Joan Sheen Cunningham’s petition. Bishop Jenky is also grateful to hear reports that the New York Archdiocese has indicated their willingness to cooperate with Joan Sheen Cunningham and the Diocese of Peoria to transfer the remains of Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen. The Diocese of Peoria will be contacting the New York Archdiocese in order to facilitate this transfer.

Bishop Jenky expresses his gratitude to Joan Sheen Cunningham for her perseverance in this case, as well as her assisting attorneys in New York. But even more, Bishop Jenky is truly grateful for the work of his Diocesan Chancellor and Attorney, Patricia Gibson, who has championed this lega case and the cause of Venerable Archbishop Sheen since its beginning.

Bishop Jenky thanks all of the faithful who have been praying for the success of these efforts. Furthermore, he asks that prayers continue to be offered for advancing the Cause of Beatification of Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen.