Br. Gary Wegner recaps his experience of getting to know the stories of Blessed Solanus Casey during his tenure as a Capuchin. The post Redefining Success – The Stigmata of St. Francis appeared first on Blessed Solanus Casey ..read more

Br. Gary Wegner recaps his experience of getting to know the stories of Blessed Solanus Casey during his tenure as a Capuchin. The post Blessed be God in All His Designs appeared first on Blessed Solanus Casey ..read more

Blessed Solanus Casey may not have excelled in many worldly talents, including his hobbies of singing and playing the violin, but his simple, humble life left an extraordinary legacy. Hundreds have shared stories of how this unassuming man profoundly impacted their lives. The Augustine Institute, in partnership with Digital Continent, presents a short documentary titled “The Violinist: Stories of Solanus Casey.” This inspiring film premieres on July 28 in Detroit, with free showings hosted by the Solanus Casey Center and Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Joseph. “The life of Fr. Solanus is ..read more

Father Solanus Guild Reflection by Br. Steven Kropp, OFM Cap. – June 6, 2024 In the small chapel behind the main church at Saint Bonaventure Monastery, which the Brothers call “the Choir”, there is an altar from the late 19th century which was handmade by Br. Lucius Fuchs (one of the founding members of St. Bonaventure Monastery in 1882).  In that altar, just above the tabernacle are three statues- two Angels holding a cross and a spear (instruments of the crucifixion) and the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  In the tiniest but most perfect script on a decorative band surrounding the niche f ..read more

Dear Friends of Brothers and Sisters: Here at the Solanus Casey Center, stories of “miracles”- or favors, as we are careful to call them-  come to us so frequently that its sometimes easy to take for granted the wonderful favors God is granting to those who put their trust in the power of His Goodness and Mercy. They become to us something “ordinary”. Isn’t that a strange phenomenon, when the extra-ordinary becomes ordinary! Please, don’t mistake what I am saying.  Its not that we don’t marvel at all the wonderful works of God that we hear through these stories, but our reality is t ..read more

Father Solanus Guild Reflection by Br. Johan Paul Gill, OFM Cap. – March 28, 2024 The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the central event of the Christian faith, celebrated joyfully year after year at Easter. There is no doubt about the historical reality of Jesus’ rising from the dead, as evidenced by the willingness of his disciples and countless others throughout history to sacrifice their lives for their belief in the Risen Lord. As we reflect on this profound mystery, it is important to consider the moments of “death” and “rising” that Jesus experienced throughout his earthly life, even be ..read more

Father Solanus Guild Reflection by Bro. Igor de Bliquy, OFM Cap. – February 26, 2024 As we embark upon the Lenten season, a time of profound spiritual renewal and preparation, the Preface for Lent offers a poignant reflection on the journey toward the Paschal Mystery. It speaks of Lent as a gracious gift from God, inviting us to await the sacred Paschal feasts “with the joy of minds made pure.” This period is not merely a time for abstaining from certain pleasures but a sacred opportunity to delve deeper into prayer, engage more fully in works of charity, and participate more intimately in th ..read more

The following is a first-hand account written by the mother of a boy named Abel. In the fall of 2020 our son Abel was born with a condition that we later learned was pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. He immediately went to the NICU where both of his lungs collapsed and he was placed on a ventilator.  He exhausted all the medical resources within this NICU so he was transferred to another hospital’s NICU where he continued to deteriorate. He exhausted all their medical resources too. Our entire family on both sides were praying for Abel. Our friends and church members were praying fo ..read more

Six years ago today, on the November 18, 2017, we celebrated the beatification of Father Solanus Casey. Weather-wise it was a harsh day due to the bad rainstorm. Still, the Ford Field football stadium was filled with Catholic Faithful and others. Once we were inside Ford Field, the spirit of the simple Capuchin Friar could be felt all around us. Fr. Solanus had lived in St. Bonaventure Monastery in Detroit for about 22 years in total. Lots and lots of people used to come to him every day. Just like people who came to Jesus, people came to him with their problems and worries, they came to him ..read more

Homily of Bro. Larry Webber, OFM Cap. at closing Mass of the Father Solanus Guild Day of Recollection – October 19, 2023 Suggested Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:27-31, 13:12 & John 1:47-51 Christ is truly present in the Eucharist and His presence continues in those who carry His wounds and His suffering. I desire to reflect with you on the power and importance of the Eucharist in the life and the spirituality of both Saint Francis and Blessed Solanus. We have heard and we know from our life’s experiences that trauma redeemed, as well as the Gospel spirit of poverty, are fundamental for unders ..read more