New York Mass marks 25th anniversary of Archbishop Sheen's death

Published: 2004-12-10

NEW YORK (CNS) -- Family, friends and admirers of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen gathered at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York Dec. 9 for a Mass marking the 25th anniversary of his death. In the homily Msgr. John E. Kozar, who as national director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith holds a post the archbishop once did, said those participating in the Mass had come together to "celebrate his legacy" and "pray for the cause of his canonization." The Mass was sponsored by the Propagation of the Faith office and the Sheen Foundation, and carried live on Mother Angelica's Eternal Word Television Network. Archbishop Sheen died in New York, and although a sainthood cause is normally initiated where the individual dies, the Archdiocese of New York deferred to the Diocese of Peoria, Ill., because the archbishop was born and ordained there. The cause was opened in 2002. Cardinal Edward M. Egan of New York presided at the Mass, and at the end declared to supporters of the archbishop's canonization: "One day we will see you in Rome."

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