The Message of Father Solanus Casey, Capuchin

Who was Father Solanus? A simple man; a simple priest; not a man of letters although he sometimes wrote like a poet; not a man of degrees, yet his thought reached to profound depths.

In his own time, he was far ahead of his time. Like a prophet, he was a man with a message for our times. Like a prophet, he lived a life concerned for God’s people, suffering and laboring for the conversion of sinners. His message, always one of faith and trust in God, was to console and to encourage. He brought about peace by a kindly insistence on our right relationship to – and dependence on – God and neighbor.

This Capuchin priest, Father Solanus Casey, was born November 25, 1870 on a Wisconsin farm along the banks of the Mississippi. He was the sixth child in a family of ten boys and six girls. His Irish immigrant parents named him Bernard after his father.

From an early age he learned obedience, diligence, and piety from his God-fearing parents. Life on the farm taught him to be practical and resourceful. At 17, eager to supplement the family income after several crop failures, Bernard willingly left the farm for other employment. In nearby Stillwater, Minnesota he worked for a time as a hand on the log-booms, as a part-time prison guard, then as one of the first streetcar operators when Stillwater installed the new electric trolleys.

In 1891 Bernard was able to pursue his long-cherished dream of becoming a priest. He began his studies at age 21 and entered St. Francis Seminary High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he dedicated himself to his spiritual and academic formation. Called by God to the Capuchin Order in 1896, Bernard was given the new name of Solanus. He soon became a model of religious observance, ever-faithful to the holy vows of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience. Although he experienced some difficulty with his studies, he so edified his Superiors and fellow religious that he was found worthy of ordination to the holy Priesthood on July 24, 1904.

His long priestly ministry then began in New York. During the fourteen years he served at Sacred Heart Parish in Yonkers, New York Fr. Solanus fulfilled the humble duties of Sacristan and Doorkeeper besides those of Director of the Young Ladies Sodality, Director of Altar Boys, and other pastoral duties. He soon edified the parishioners by his prayerful example at Mass, by his great charity toward the sick, the children, the non-Catholics and the poor. The sick especially were anxious for his priestly visits and consolation. His apostolate to the sick and to the poor continued in other places also. He was appointed to Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in New York City in 1918 and then to Our Lady of Angels Parish in Harlem in 1921. Soon after being appointed in 1924 to the Capuchin Friary of St. Bonaventure in Detroit Father Solanus became known and loved by all. Always available to the poor, the sick, and the troubled souls, he brought comfort to people from every age and walk of life. He was ready and willing to listen to anyone anytime. His ministry of charity and comfort was especially noted during the great Depression of 1929 when his concern for the poor inspired the Detroit Capuchins to establish their Soup Kitchen, a service of charity that continues to this day.

During the years of 1941-1945 Fr. Solanus’ advice and prayers aided many anxious families whose sons and daughters served in World War II. Eager for the spread of the Catholic faith, Solanus actively promoted help for the Missions and showed great charity and concern toward non-Catholics. Always zealous for souls, his ministry to the sick and troubled continued unabated, even in the later years of his life when his Superiors, wanting to give him a well-earned retirement, sent him to the Friary of St. Felix in Huntington, Indiana in the spring of 1946. There he spent his time in prayer and ministry to the sick and troubled until his own infirmities brought him back to Detroit for special medical care.

Eighteen months later, after about a month in the hospital where he endured his pains with fortitude, his long life was completed. It was a life spent in total sacrifice for the glory of God by fulfilling to perfection the duties of a Christian, religious, and Priest of God. During his final illness he remarked, “I’m offering my sufferings that all might be one. If only I could see the conversion of the whole world.” His last conscious act was to sit up and exclaim, “I give my soul to Jesus Christ.” Fr. Solanus died on July 31, 1957 at the age of 86. He is buried at St. Bonaventure Monastery, Detroit, Michigan.

The Cause of Father Solanus Casey, Capuchin

At the beginning of 1958 Fr. Gerald Walker, OFM Cap., Provincial Minister of St. Joseph, sent a report on the life and virtues of Father Solanus Casey to the General Superiors in Rome.

The Minister General of the Capuchins, Father Benignus of Saint ‘Ilario, responded with great admiration for Father Solanus whom he called “an extraordinary example of a true Capuchin, and a replica of St. Francis.” He wrote that the spontaneous tribute to Father Solanus after his death – paid by Catholics and non-Catholics alike – gave ample proof that our traditional spirituality is still very capable of winning people to God. His tribute confirmed the many reports about the outstanding virtues of Father Solanus which, soon after his death, began to come in from people everywhere.

So many people expressed a wish to preserve the memory of Father Solanus that, in July of 1960, the Father Solanus Guild was organized under the auspices of the Detroit Capuchins with the approval of the Provincial Minister of the Province of St. Joseph. The purpose of the Father Solanus Guild is to keep alive the inspiring memory of Father Solanus; to spread the knowledge of his holy life; and to help gather information to further his Cause for Canonization.

In 1966, prompted by the urgent appeals of the Father Solanus Guild and many Detroiters, the Capuchin Provincial Fr. Gerard Hesse sent to Rome an account of favors attributed to the intercession of Father Solanus. Capuchin Postulator General Fr. Bernardine of Siena appointed Fr. Paschal Siler, OFM Cap. as Vice Postulator for the Cause of Canonization of Father Solanus Casey. Fr. Paschal contacted many people who knew Father Solanus personally, and began to collect information about his life and work. In 1974 Br. Leo Wollenweber, OFM Cap. succeeded Fr. Paschal and continued the research.

Early in 1961 Detroit author James Patrick Derum offered to write a biography of Father Solanus. “The Porter of St. Bonaventure’s” was published in 1968 and is still being reprinted. Two other biographies were written. “Thank God Ahead of Time” was written by Capuchin Fr. Michael Crosby in 1985. “The Story of Solanus Casey” was done by Catherine Odell in 1988. These helped to spread the fame of Fr. Solanus far and wide.

On June 24, 1976 Archbishop of Detroit John Cardinal Dearden was asked to initiate the Cause for Canonization of Father Solanus Casey. Cardinal Dearden published a request in January 1977 asking that all writings attributed to Father Solanus be sent in. By 1980 the writings were assembled, typed, and bound into four volumes. After examination by two theologians Solanus’ writings were declared to be free of any doctrinal error. On June 19, 1982, Pope John Paul II granted official approval to introduce the Cause in the Archdiocese of Detroit for the Servant of God Solanus Casey.

The new Archbishop of Detroit Edmund C. Szoka opened the Diocesan Investigation to examine the life and virtues of the Servant of God. From October 1983 to September 1984 53 witnesses, priests, religious, and laity gave sworn testimony attesting to the extraordinary virtues of Father Solanus. All had vivid recollections of his kindly concern for their problems and needs. When completed these testimonies were presented to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints on October 13, 1984.

Another important step, the exhumation and canonical examination of Father Solanus’ body took place on July 8, 1987. His body was then clothed in a new habit, placed in a metal casket, and reinterred in the north transept of St. Bonaventure Church.

The Cause continued to advance with the Congregation’s appointment of a Realtor for the Cause. Fr. Peter Gumpel S.J. appointed Capuchin Fr. Michael Crosby to be his collaborator in preparing the positio. The positio (po-zeet-sio) covers the life and work of Father Solanus in great detail. On October 10, 1992 the three-volume positio was presented to the Congregation for the Causes for Saints and on April 7, 1995 the panel of theologians gave it an affirmative decision. The Cardinals and Bishops in the Congregation met with Pope John Paul II on July 11, 1995 for the promulgation of the decree of “Heroic Virtue” and bestowed in Fr. Solanus the title of “Venerable.” This is the most important step for sainthood, however it is only after beatification that public devotion is allowed. For that, the Church looks for evidence of at least one true miracle. We pray now for the beatification of Venerable Solanus Casey.

When the Cause of Solanus was recommended the Realtor stated, “While his example is relevant for all priests and religious, it would seem to be such in a particular manner for all Americans. They will be able to derive from his life an inspiration entirely based on faith and charity, and at the same time, also deeply human: Sociable, optimistic and cheerful, compassionate and active in trying to alleviate the spiritual and material sufferings of others.”

To order copies of this brochure:

—Email solanusguild@thecapuchins.org

—Call (313) 579-2100, ext. 140

—Mail to Fr. Solanus Guild, 1780 Mt. Elliott, Detroit MI 48207

An offering toward printing and mail costs is appreciated.