Blessed Fr. Solanus Casey

Born: November 25, 1870
Death: July 31, 1957
Cause for Canonization Opened: unknown
Declared Blessed: November 18, 2017

Blessed Fr. Solanus Casey, OFMCap., (née Bernard Francis) was born in Wisconsin to Irish parents. At 21, he enrolled in seminary and after struggling academically, he was ordained in the Capuchin order as a “simplex priest,” meaning he could say Mass but he could not hear confessions or give doctrinal sermons. He embraced his ministry with humility and joy, serving as a monastery porter (doorkeeper) and sacristan. Every Wednesday he conducted services for the sick with an attendance of estimated 150-200 people. His compassion for the sick and poor (his two “loves”) led to him being sought out for his counsel and prayers. Even during his lifetime, Fr. Casey was credited as instrumental in cures and other blessings for those he prayed for. He’s known for teaching others to “thank God ahead of time.”

Read about his life of humility, compassion, and joy here.

Diver deeper into the life of Blessed Solanus Casey with the resources below:

• Novena of Blessed Solanus Casey
  
• Read about the connection between Fr. Solanus Casey and Bishop Elshoff!
  
• ETWN’s ‘They Might Be Saints’: Episode on Blessed Solanus Casey