Friar who died in 1957 declared venerable
By J.P. Sonnen
Special to The B.C. Catholic

French author Georges Bernanos famously wrote, “All is grace.” This can be truly said of the quiet life and humble ministry of Venerable Solanus Casey, a saintly Franciscan friar who is a candidate for beatification.

Visiting the Solanus Casey Centre in Detroit is an enjoyable excursion from Toronto. Also known as St. Bonaventure’s, the centre is a red brick and limestone neogothic church and friary first established in 1882. This is where Father Casey lived and worked during much of his life.

Until his death in 1957, Father Casey led a unique existence as a spiritual counsellor and intercessor for countless faithful. His role and the help he gave to people of all walks of life became so renowned that during his lifetime he became widely known as a “wonderworker.”

As word spread of his ministry in Detroit and beyond, the steady flow of Americans and Canadians began to grow, people flocking their way to his door. Frequently there were long lines.

Father Casey, in his religious community, was a porter, a receptionist and doorkeeper, greeting and welcoming visitors, receiving them in the entrance parlor.

Those who are privileged to visit St. Bonaventure’s today are greatly edified by what they see. Although this neighbourhood has seen better days, St. Bonaventure’s stands as a beacon of hope to the city. The attached Franciscan friary remains to this day a strong presence, and the work of Father Casey continues.

In the church the faithful view the tomb to which Father Casey’s mortal remains were moved after exhumation from the attached cemetery in 1987. You will notice the intensity of prayer around his monument. Many who are sick come to seek a cure.

A handful of volunteers at St. Bonaventure knew Father Casey personally and recount various stories of their youth which attest to his sanctity and wisdom. Stories of his miraculous countenance abound. He was fair, but also strict; merciful, while just.

Born in Wisconsin in 1870, Father Casey was one of 16 children. At 17 he left home to look for work, and held several jobs which greatly contributed to his life experience and lent to his much-sought-after practical wisdom.

Father Casey laboured in his youth as a lumberjack, a hospital orderly, a guard in a state prison, and even a street-car operator. It was while at his last job that Father Casey witnessed a brutal murder which prompted him to re-evaluate his life and enter the seminary.

In 1897 Father Casey joined the Franciscans in Detroit. Although he lived during his life in various places including Wisconsin, Minnesota, New York, and Indiana, he is most remembered today for his time in Detroit. After his ordination in 1904 and various assignments, Father Casey was led in 1924 back to Detroit, where he lived until 1946.

Each Wednesday afternoon the Franciscans held a well-attended blessing of the sick which Father Casey often led. This service for the sick has continued to this day every Wednesday, attracting hundreds each week.

It was partly through these services that Father Casey became known for his great compassion and care. People were led to consult him. Many considered him a father, instrumental in their cures and other blessings.

Father Casey’s soft and quiet voice struck people; diphtheria as a boy had permanently damaging his voice. He offered kind and true words for the troubled, and was known for his serenity, practical advice, and counsel, which gave visitors great peace of mind and soul.

Father Casey never turned down those who came for spiritual help. During the Depression he was particularly busy helping at the local soup kitchen offered by the friars for the hungry.

Many have claimed his prayers cured illness, both during his lifetime and after. He had a simple faith, and maintained that every prayer is answered in God’s own way.

After his death, the Capuchin minister general called the doorkeeper saint, “an extraordinary example of a true Capuchin, and a replica of St. Francis.” Reports began to flood in from everywhere about the outstanding virtues of the quiet friar.

Father Casey was declared venerable by Pope John Paul II in 1995, the first U.S.-born man to be so declared.

Today the Father Solanus Guild continues his work in Detroit at St. Bonaventure’s, a Capuchin ministry dedicated to sharing the holiness of Father Casey and continuing his outreach. Many continue to petition Father Casey to intercede with God for them; some receive dramatic favours from heaven.

Venerable Casey is known for saying, “Thank God ahead of time.” One of his more celebrated sayings is: “The only science that gives purpose to every other science is the science of religion: the science of our happy relationship with, and our providential dependence on, God and our neighbour.”