Now that the miracle has been confirmed, the diocese can begin planning for the beatification, which will take place in Peoria. The date will be grated by the pope, the diocesan statement said. Jenky said he hopes it will be during the 100th anniversary year of Sheen's ordination to the priesthood in Peoria.

Explaining the miracle attributed to Sheen, a diocesan statement said: "Family and friends 'immediately began offering prayers begging Fulton Sheen to intercede for their newborn child. The infant was transferred to OSF Medical Center in Peoria, a few blocks away from the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Peoria where Sheen was ordained in 1919 and now is entombed," according to an explanation provided by the diocese.

"Despite receiving the most advanced medical treatment available, the infant continued to show no signs of life. Moments before the doctor was going to declare the infant to be dead, suddenly and without any medical explanation, the infant’s heart began to beat normally and the baby breathed normally. After 61 minutes without a heartbeat, the baby was alive! After a few weeks in the hospital, the infant was sent home and has now grown into a healthy young child," the statement said.