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The Father Solanus Casey Newsletter A Newsletter of the Solanus Casey Center and the Father Solanus Guild Fall 2016 • 313-579-2100 • www.SolanusCenter.org • www.SolanusCasey.org

Fr. Solanus Guild News Solanus Center News From From Br. Richard Fr. Gerry

This issue is the first of the As we immerse ourselves combined issues of the slowly into the autumn season Father Solanus Guild and the with its array of colored Solanus Center newsletters. landscapes, cooler temps, The history of the Solanus shorter daylight hours, and Guild goes back to 1960 the approaching holidays, with the devotees of Ven. gratitude fills the heart. Solanus working toward Br. Richard Merling The harvest of the earth’s Fr. Gerry Pehler promoting his Cause for Fr Solanus Guild Director planted goods is gathered for Solanus Center Director Sainthood. Their first issue of us all to partake and enjoy and a Guild newsletter was June, 1961. The Guild, with the share. All of creation boldly proclaims the greatness of Office of the Cause, continues to collect the pertinent God. Thanks be to God for all that God has brought information for the Roman Curia for the Causes of into existence. . As part of the beginnings of the Guild, they did provide a museum and gift shop for the many ‘Thank you, God’, certainly was on the hearts and lips of Francis, and Venerable Father Solanus. They knew visitors coming to the then, Third Order Hall. As where their blessings and gifts of earth came from. We, things developed it came to a point of realizing that too, unite with all of creation in continuous praise and there needed to be a significant place / building for the gratitude for all we have been given. presentation of Ven. Solanus’ life history. In 1999, we had the ground-breaking for the project. We are very Here at the Solanus Center not a day goes by where we proud of what has been the outcome of the efforts for Capuchin are conscious of your generosity the significant presentation and inspiration that the to maintain and sustain this sacred place in honor and now Solanus Casey Center gives to all who come here. memory of Father Solanus Casey.

The Cause / Guild Offices continue to work directly Thanks be to God for all of you whom God has brought with the actual researching and documenting of into our lives and ministry. You all are a blessing with the pertinent information for the progress of the your prayerful and financial support to keep the good . If you are reporting blessings and of God happening here at the Center. In the words of favors, please forward the info to “The Cause / Guild Father Solanus, ‘May God bless you and multiply His Office.” Attn: Brother Richard Merling, OFM Cap. graces and joys in your soul .” IT’S THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY! On the first Saturday of every month, from By Fr. Dan Crosby December through June, we will present a 2 1/2 hour prayerful “remembering” of our brother Solanus. It’s true: this coming July 31, The sessions will begin at noon in the Center with a 2017 will be the 60th simple lunch and conclude by 2:30. anniversary of Father Solanus’ death, his pass-over to the Dec. 3: The John Paul Players from Hudson, WI Lord. What a huge loss this (where Solanus lived) and Stillwater, MN (where he was for people who had come worked) will present the two hour play, “Solanus.” It to know him, experience his will be held at St. Paul’s Auditorium, 170 Grosse Pointe sanctity, be warmed by his Blvd, Grosse Pointe Farms. (This is the only month smile and count on his prayers. where the event is NOT at the Center.) Days after, at his funeral, nearly 20,000 people came to the Jan. 7: “The Casey Family Remembers.” Relatives of little chapel of St.’s not only to pay their Father Solanus will be with us to share family stories respects, but to beg for his now-heavenly intercession. and memories. We might even hear a real Irish fiddler! The city of , where he died and had spent most of his years of ministry, decreed a day of mourning. Feb. 4: “The Capuchins Remember.” After 60 years, there are still Capuchins who lived with Fr. Solanus. And now it is sixty They’ll be with us to share joyful as well as sacred years later. Word of memories -- and share as well some Capuchin songs his holiness has spread Solanus himself would have sung. far beyond Detroit (or , where he Mar. 4: “Detroit Remembers.” We will look at the also ministered). In significance of Detroit in Solanus’ life and ministry and many parts of the world, hear about what Father Solanus means to the history people have come to and people of this area, including his love for the know about and be Tigers. inspired by the life of this humble American Apr. 1: “We need to remember Solanus’ love of Christ Capuchin who died and the .” Capuchin Fr. Crosby, with the words, “I give theologian for Solanus’ cause, will help us appreciate my soul to Christ” this primary love of Father Solanus. on his lips. Each year, thousands of pilgrims come to his burial place at St. May 6: “We need to remember Solanus’ love of our Bonaventure’s in Detroit, all of them praying that Blessed Mother.” In this month of Mary, it’s only right the whole Church will soon recognize his holiness that we spend time trying to develop for ourselves as truly “Blessed.” Imagine how the spiritual lives of something of his love for Our Lady. Sally McCuen, thousands-- perhaps millions -- will be deepened and Hospitality Coordinator at the Center, will lead us. blessed when this happens! June 3: “We need to remember Solanus’ love for the To properly prepare for the 60th anniversary, the poor and sick.” This is hearing from the “field hospital” staff of the Solanus Center and the Solanus Guild which talks about. We will hear from are planning a seven month period of prayerful folks who minister at and from guests of our Capuchin “remembering.” Since Fr. Solanus’ birthday is Nov. 25 Soup Kitchen (which Solanus helped to begin during (1870), we wanted to begin our celebration as close to the Depression) -- what Solanus means to them. And that date as possible. In this newsletter we’re sharing we’ll be gifted by our famous Capuchin Soup Kitchen this exciting news for the first time with all Fr. Solanus’ choir! friends. Fr. Solanus Guild Continues to Thanking God for All Creation Gather Favors The Fr. Solanus Guild is building a video library of favors received by praying to Fr. Solanus, requesting his intercession.

Have you or a family member received a life- changing or health-changing favor by praying to Fr. Solanus? We want your story!

Tell us by emailing [email protected] Please let us know if you’d consider sharing your experience on video tape. Please include the following information: Your name, phone number, email address, and address The ‘Canticle of Creation’ created by expresses how he intensely felt the goodness of God. His Song of Creation expressed God’s generosity and You’re Invited the miraculous way God created everything in the Solanus’ BIRTHDAY Celebration, Sunday, universe for good. Thus, the ‘Canticle of Creation’ November 27th with special 12 Noon , St. preserves Francis’ insights in this prayer. Bonaventure Chapel, 1780 Mt. Elliott, Detroit. A reception follows. The Solanus Casey Center highlights our brother Francis of Assisi’s Song of Creation, just as you step A Novena of Prayers for the Advancement of into the front courtyard entrance. This Creation the Cause, November 30th through December Garden comprises seven hallmarks of God’s generosity 8th. The reason for these particular Novena dates for advancement of the Cause at this time is in and unending care…. Brother Sun, Sister Moon, conjunction with Fr. Solanus’ own Novena that he Brother Fire, Brother Wind, Sister Water, Sister Earth, made (back in 1896) to the Blessed Mary Sister Bodily Death. ending on the Feast of the . He asked the Blessed Virgin’s help to give him The Creation Garden and other significant areas of direction for his own vocation. On the ninth day of this spirituality center truly highlights this holy man the novena he received an answer from her, “Go to and his life and ministry as The Doorkeeper. Detroit – go to Detroit” and it was where he would find the Capuchins. “Deo gracias.” Please feel free Please spread the word of Venerable Father Solanus to inquire for Novena Prayer Leaflets from the Fr. Solanus Guild Office. (313) 579-2100 x 140. and his life and spirituality. As The Doorkeeper, Father Solanus welcomed all who came to him for The Play, “Solanus,” written and directed by Molly prayer and support. The Solanus Center embodies his Druffner, will be presented in the Detroit area spirit of welcome and hospitality and care to nourish December 3, St. Paul’s Auditorium, 170 Grosse the soul. Our greatest hope for pilgrims who enter Pointe Blvd., Grosse Pointe Farms, MI. The times are here is that the Solanus Center continues to be a 12:00PM and 6:30PM. Admission is adults $12.00; spiritual haven so that they may leave with renewed children $10.00. Tickets are available for purchase faith and hope and a commitment to the Gospel values through the Guild office by calling 313-579-2100 ext. that Venerable Solanus lived so well. 140 or at the reception desk. Fr. Solanus, a Messenger Volunteers are a Blessing of Hope By Sally McCuen, Solanus Center Hospitality Coordinator By Fr. Preuss “Oh, my!” is a common Fr. Solanus had a deep love for expression from first time Detroit and its people. When visitors to the Solanus Casey he lived here, there were many Center. The beauty of the ethnic Catholics: Belgians, Center, as well as the sense of Polish, Italians, and Lebanese. peace, has many visitors pause He prayed with autoworkers, tire for a moment to take it all in. makers, city workers, store owners, homemakers, and the variety of professions that make up urban life. He In order to properly welcome pilgrims to the Center, a supported them in the midst of their challenges. new volunteer position has been created. Hospitality Ministers greet visitors and are available to offer Over the last decades, we have seen the decline of directions and answers questions. These newly trained Detroit as factories moved out. City services and volunteers share the story of Fr. Solanus by showing neighborhoods declined as the city became desperately the Journey to Holiness DVD in the auditorium and poor. For the last three decades, I have taken people help to orient the visitors to the layout of the Center. on tours of the city. Outsiders are often confused by what they see; not knowing the dynamics of economic Our docent volunteer position has been in place for and social change. I try to point out the sometimes more than 10 years. Docents go through a formal twisted logic that has created this social disaster. As training process before they take the pilgrims on a jobs disappeared, the neighborhood residents moved guided tour of the Center. Their main role is to explain to find work. Outside investors, who had little in detail the important features of the Center, as well incentive to improve their rental properties, stopped as, Fr. Solanus’ pictures and artifacts from his life. Our paying taxes and let them be foreclosed. Abandoned docents bring the sacred treasures of the Solanus Casey housing further depressed neighborhoods, making it Center to life. impossible for homeowners to get home improvement loans. The city government dealing with tens of The Solanus Casey Gift Shop offers a third way to thousands of abandoned structures was billions volunteer at the Center. Gift Shop volunteers wait on of dollars short of being able to demolish all the customers, price and arrange displays of holy items, dangerous structures. I ask people to reflect on what it and assist in taking inventory. The gift shop volunteers must be like for children to grow up in this economic provide pilgrims with a way to take a souvenir of their war zone. It is here that we are called to snatch small visit to the Center home with them. children from the jaws of despair. Just as Fr. Solanus made his charity concrete, we too must pray for the Recently, the Solanus Casey Center sponsored wisdom to know how to bring hope to the poor of a Volunteer Appreciation Evening to thank the Detroit. wonderful men and women who offer their time and gifts at the center. Fr. Gerry Pehler, director of the Solanus Casey Center, offered Mass which was followed by a lovely dinner. The gathering provided the volunteers with an opportunity to meet one another and feel the gratitude of the Solanus Casey Center staff.

If you would like to look into volunteering at the Solanus Casey Center, contact Sally McCuen at (313) 579-2100 x 149 or by email [email protected] FAVORS REPORTED half hour, he passed away, but I know he’s out of pain “I had extreme acid reflux and in a better place! “ Elaine and a hiatal hernia with two years of extreme “My grandmother suffered a nervous breakdown pain. I had surgery, but and was placed in a sanitarium. She had four still suffered the pain. I young children…one was my mother. When my made a novena to Fr. grandmother came out of the sanitarium, she visited Solanus and soon all Fr. Solanus who told her she had nothing to worry the pain and symptoms about and was cured of mental illness. She came home subsided.” Gail and raised her four young children.” Ed

“Our son has been on medication for bipolar disorder “My sister had a brain scan to try to determine why for years. I put Fr. Solanus’ badge on his picture she was having problems with vertigo. The scan and prayed unceasingly. Fr. Solanus revealed that indicated she had a brain tumor. I sent her name into his condition is a blessing. After praying to him, our the Solanus Guild for prayers and our family prayed son now has his graduate degree and is pursuing his a novena to Fr. Solanus asking his intercession. She dreams in his new !” Cindy returned to the specialist who informed her that the tumor was encased and would not grow, so no need “My grandson was born with heart problems and for further medical procedures.” Monica almost died a couple of times. We prayed to Fr. Solanus and he is now 8-1/2 years old and just made “I was married for about ten years without having his first communion. During his last visit with the any children. I read a Catholic Digest story about Fr. cardiologist, he was told he was doing remarkably.” Solanus and how he assured couples they would have Jan babies. I also found that I share a birthday with Fr. Solanus’ mother, so I said, ‘Fr. Solanus, if I conceive, “My loving husband was in the hospital with brain I’ll name my baby after you.’ Shortly after, I had a son cancer and had been in a coma for a week. If he came and named him after Fr. Solanus. Since then I’ve had out of the coma, he would no longer do anything for two daughters too.” Elaine himself, speak, nor understand. I took a picture of Fr. Solanus out of my purse and prayed asking, “If it is “It took three years, but my prayers to Fr. Solanus were your will, take him home.” I placed the picture on his answered. My daughter is now drug and alcohol-free pillow and told him how much I love him. Within a and back home with her children.” Anon

Why is Fr. Solanus Casey’s spirituality important for the next generation? The young adult ministry at the Solanus Casey Center adults are being transformed by is reaching out into the lives and faith of young adults the spirituality of Fr. Solanus, with today. Capuchin Franciscan spirituality is a viewpoint his gratitude and encouragement that young adults are hungry for and brings new life to “Thank God Ahead of Time.” to their relationships. Tap Into Life is a young adult Both aspects of Fr. Solanus’ ministry that was established a little over a year ago. It spirituality resonate and are Fr. Tom Nguyen meets monthly, on every third Sunday evening with an relevant in the hearts of young average attendance of 25-30 people. This experience adults. Both bring a simple, yet complex message that allows for community building, prayer, and faith. inspires young adults to grow in their faith and to Allowing the young adults an opportunity to grow in share their faith with others. If you know of any young their faith is accomplished by allowing them to share adults from the ages of 18-35 please invite them to join their experiences and views amongst each other. It us in this ministry so that we all may continue to grow has been helpful for young adults to know that they in our faith and to “Thank God Ahead of Time.” are not alone on their life’s journey. The lives of young The Father Solanus Casey Newsletter Non-Profit Org 1780 Mt. Elliott U.S. Postage Detroit MI 48207 PAID Province of St. of the Capuchin Order

The Incredible Faith of Fr. Solanus I only met Father Solanus faith we don’t know how he developed it but we know Casey, now Venerable Solanus from his correspondence and from the testimonies of Casey, once. But, because people who knew him or came to him in need that he I was asked to write the would continually invite people to faith and trust. (the written materials He believed in God; that God was revealed to us in on his life and virtue to be Jesus Christ; Jesus Christ considered by the Vatican), I invited us to faith in God got to know him much better. and himself. Solanus I would say that the virtue believed in this God of that he exemplified more than Fr. Michael Crosby Jesus Christ. As a result any other was his faith. he developed a personal relationship with God Solanus’ faith in God was close to certitude. He could that was childlike. It was not believe that any could not believe. unshakable.

Solanus’ faith was not as intellectual as it was In my mind the Scripture personal: his was a personal relationship of close-to- passage which he included absolute trust, if not absolute trust, in God. He never in his notes when he first manifested doubt or darkness. joined the Capuchins as a novice summarizes it wonderfully: “Ask and you shall Because Solanus did not talk about his inner life of receive; seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you.” (Matthew 7:7).