Bishop Tylka Renews Sheen Foundation Advisory Board
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bishop Tylka Renews Sheen Foundation Advisory Board Amid Growing Interest in Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s Legacy
Public enthusiasm rises as plans move forward for the renovation of Sheen’s former high school into the Fulton Sheen Experience.
The purpose of the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation is to make known the life, works, and thoughts of the Venerable Servant of God Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, inspiring others to encounter Christ through his example. The Foundation also advances the Cause for Canonization in accordance with the norms established by the Holy See. The Cause remains under the supervision of the Bishop of Peoria.
In recent months, the Foundation has experienced a significant rise in public interest following Bishop Louis Tylka’s announcement of plans to renovate Archbishop Sheen’s former high school, the Spalding Institute, and dedicate it as the Fulton Sheen Experience. The revitalized building will serve as a public destination celebrating Sheen’s enduring legacy and inviting visitors to learn more about his life and faith.
At the same time, interest in the Cause for Canonization has also grown. In response, Bishop Tylka has renewed the Sheen Foundation Advisory Board, which had been inactive since the Cause was delayed in 2019.
The Board Members are:
· John Alves, Granbury, TX
· Fr. Ray Atwood, Oelwein, IA
· Bill Conger, East Peoria, IL
· Paul Sheen Cunningham, Bronxville, NY
· JD Dalfonso, Peoria, IL
· Oscar Delgado, Rochester, MN
· Sr. Judith Ann Duvall, OSF, East Peoria, IL
· Gerri Kearns, Cross River, NY
· Msgr. Roger Landry, New York, NY
· Bob Manning, Peoria, IL
· Dolores Sheen, Peoria, IL
· Allan Smith, Midland, Ontario, Canada
· Alicia Varela, Spring TX
· Dr. Louis Varela, Spring TX
Msgr. Jason Gray, Executive Director of the Sheen Foundation, remarked, “I am so happy to have such an enthusiastic and dedicated collection of Board Members who share our love for Archbishop Sheen. Each of these nominees expressed great excitement at their appointment and look forward to working for the advancement of the Cause. This Board is composed of several local members around Peoria but also includes supporters from across the United States and even Canada.”
Among the members of the Board are scholars regarding the life of Fulton Sheen, medical professionals, media experts, museum directors, leaders in tourism, alumni from Sheen’s high school, and two members of the Sheen family.
Bishop Louis Tylka, Bishop of Peoria, said, “I am especially happy to work with the Pontifical Mission Societies since Sheen himself was National Director for the Society of the Propagation of the Faith from 1950 to 1966. The current director, Msgr. Roger Landry, is a great proponent of Sheen’s work for the Missions. I look forward to working with this excellent Board to promote the legacy of Archbishop Sheen in our country and throughout the world.”
About the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation
The Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation is the official organization promoting the Cause for Canonization of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. Established under the auspices of the Diocese of Peoria, the Foundation is dedicated to preserving and sharing Sheen’s life, writings, and teachings, and to fostering devotion to his example of faith.
Media Contact:
Jessica Bastian
(309) 677 – 7656
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