Foundation Has Investigated Six Potential Miracles
The Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation is reviewing six cases to move toward the canonization of Fulton J. Sheen.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Catholicism
Live Poll
Do you trust reports of unexplained medical recoveries as divine miracles?
The Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation is currently evaluating six potential miracles for the canonization of Fulton J. Sheen. This rigorous process is required by the Catholic Church to move toward declaring him a saint.
Why it matters
The Catholic Church requires the formal confirmation of a second miracle following beatification to proceed with the canonization process. Evaluating these reported instances is a critical step in finalizing the sainthood recognition.
The foundation is reviewing 6 distinct potential miracles. One notable case includes James Fulton Engstrom, who is 16 years old and survived after 61 minutes without a heartbeat.
The players
Fulton J. Sheen
He was a prominent American archbishop and media personality known for his television show Life is Worth Living.
Pope Francis
He is the head of the Catholic Church and the sovereign of the Vatican City State.
Jason Gray
He is a monsignor who provided an update regarding the status of the canonization investigation.
James Fulton Engstrom
He is a teenager whose survival following a prolonged cardiac arrest is among the cases being reviewed as a miracle.
The details
The Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation gathers documentation for each case, which is then submitted to the Holy See for a formal investigation. Potential candidates for review include the resolution of Stage 4 cancer and the healing of a newborn diagnosed with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.
Timeline
July 2019: Pope Francis announced the beatification of Fulton J. Sheen.
September 24, 2026: Monsignor Jason Gray announced the ongoing miracle investigation.
Culture Shift
The current investigation into six potential miracles follows the pattern established by the July 2019 beatification of Fulton J. Sheen. This investigation serves as the necessary follow-up phase to satisfy the requirements for canonization set after the initial beatification.
The progress of these investigations determines the timeline for potential canonization, which holds significant religious importance for followers. This process impacts daily devotional practices and the public recognition of the candidate within the global Catholic community.
The takeaway
The canonization process is a deliberate, years-long endeavor that demands exhaustive scientific and theological scrutiny of reported miracles. Observers interested in the progression of sainthood should note that official Vatican verification is a necessary final hurdle in this tradition.
Further reading
Learn more about the history and rites of the faith in our Catholicism section.
Live Poll
Do you trust reports of unexplained medical recoveries as divine miracles?
