Bonnie Engstrom expressed joy upon learning that the cause for Venerable Fulton Sheen's beatification is moving forward. The Holy See officially informed the Diocese of Peoria that Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen's cause can proceed to beatification based on a miracle. The miracle involved the resuscitation of Engstrom's son, James Fulton Engstrom, who was stillborn on September 16, 2010. Engstrom recalls invoking Fulton Sheen's name repeatedly while her son had no pulse at home, in the ambulance, and at the hospital. James Fulton Engstrom, now a high school freshman, is reportedly doing well and enjoying music and art classes.
21 days ago
The Holy See informed Bishop Louis Tylka of the Diocese of Peoria on February 9, 2026, that Venerable Fulton J. Sheen's cause can proceed to beatification.1 2
This step follows approval of a miracle attributed to Sheen, involving the healing of James Fulton Engstrom.1 2
James Fulton Engstrom was born stillborn at home on September 16, 2010, after a healthy pregnancy and labor complicated by a knotted umbilical cord.1 2
He showed no signs of life, with no pulse during home efforts, ambulance transport, and hospital emergency care.1 2
Bonnie Engstrom repeatedly invoked Sheen's name in prayer during the crisis.1 2
Just as medical staff prepared to declare death, James's heart began beating and has continued without stop.1 2
An initial MRI showed extensive brain damage, but a follow-up scan was perfectly clear.1 2
Sheen's cause opened in 2002 in Peoria, his birthplace, earning him the title Servant of God.1 2
Pope Benedict XVI declared him Venerable in June 2012.1 2
Medical experts unanimously approved James's miracle in March 2014; Pope Francis confirmed it in July 2019.1 2
Delays arose from disputes over Sheen's remains and a New York clergy abuse investigation.1 2
Now a high school freshman, James is thriving and described as hardworking and funny.1 2
He enjoys music and art classes, with no ongoing issues linked to his birth.1 2
Some later medical issues occurred but were unrelated.1 2
Bonnie Engstrom "laughed out loud with joy" upon hearing the news.1 2
The family named James after Sheen during pregnancy, placing him under his patronage.1 2
Initially frustrated by delays, they grew to trust divine timing.1 2
Investigate criteria for beatification miracles in Catholic canon law
The process of beatification in the Catholic Church, which declares a deceased servant of God "Blessed" and permits public veneration in specific contexts, generally requires the attribution of a miracle to the candidate's intercession, except in cases of martyrdom. However, the Code of Canon Law (1983) does not provide detailed criteria for these miracles. Instead, it explicitly states that such matters fall under special pontifical law promulgated by the Apostolic See.
Canon 1403 §1 of the Code of Canon Law is the primary reference: "Special pontifical law governs the causes of canonization of the servants of God." This canon, found within the section on ecclesiastical tribunals (Canons 1402-1416), underscores that the universal norms of the Code apply subsidiarily only where pontifical law refers to them or where matters inherently require it. Beatification, as a step toward canonization, thus follows dedicated apostolic constitutions, instructions, and norms issued by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints (now the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints), rather than the general disciplinary code.
No specific criteria—such as the nature of the miracle (e.g., inexplicable cure from disease), scientific scrutiny, theological evaluation, or moral certainty standards—are outlined in the provided excerpts from the Code. These details are reserved to pontifical documents like the 1983 Normae Servandae in Causis Sanctorum or subsequent updates, which demand rigorous investigation involving medical experts, theological commissions, and papal approval.
While not directly addressing miracles, related sources highlight the judicial framework for sanctity causes. Tribunals handling nullity of marriage (Dignitas connubii, 2005) emphasize bishops' responsibility to ensure judges are "trained in canon law appropriately and in a timely manner" for complex cases. This principle extends analogously to sanctity processes, where diocesan tribunals initially investigate alleged miracles under the local bishop's oversight before referral to Rome. Article 26 of Dignitas connubii grants conferences of bishops powers akin to a diocesan bishop over interdiocesan tribunals, illustrating hierarchical involvement.
The Code further stresses judicial integrity: judges must swear oaths (Can. 1454), observe secrecy (Can. 1455), and declare incompetence if applicable (Can. 1461). Public documents proving facts are presumed true unless contradicted (Can. 1541). These ensure miracle investigations maintain canonical rigor, but again, they are general norms.
The provided references—primarily procedural canons on bishops' appointments (e.g., Can. 377, Can. 443), councils, and marriage nullity—do not contain the precise criteria for beatification miracles. They confirm deference to specialized law (Can. 1403 §1) and underscore the Apostolic See's supreme authority (Can. 1404: "The First See is judged by no one"). For comprehensive details, consult the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints' official norms, accessible via official Vatican publications.
In summary, Catholic canon law directs inquiries into beatification miracles to pontifical law beyond the Code, ensuring a process marked by prudence, expertise, and fidelity to divine worship.