Archbishop, Capuchins commemorate 60th anniversary of friar’s death

Detroit — Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron, the Capuchins of the Province of St. Joseph and the faithful gathered at St. Bonaventure Monastery couldn’t help but look forward, while looking back.

On July 30, Archbishop Vigneron commemorated the 60th anniversary of Venerable Fr. Solanus Casey’s death, the final commemoration before the friar’s beatification at Ford Field on Nov. 18.

With members of the Casey family and many whose lives were touched by Fr. Solanus, Archbishop Vigneron noted the special graces attributed with this particular commemoration.

“This is year is special, and I see it as Divine Providence the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has recognized Fr. Solanus’ beatification this year,” Archbishop Vigneron said. “This year is special. As we’re on the threshold of Father’s beatification, he serves as an example of what it means to find the kingdom of God.”

The Gospel reading was Jesus’ parable of the man who buys a field with a treasure buried in it. Archbishop Vigneron said that treasure, much like the kingdom of God, is there. But it requires effort to retrieve it.

Fr. Solanus’ life is an example of what it means to give everything away for the kingdom of God, the archbishop said.

“In the end, sharing the good news is about one person touching another,” Archbishop Vigneron said. “Pope Francis speaks tirelessly about accompaniment, and the need to be joyful missionary disciples, to walk along people in their troubles. Long before words phrases like ‘new evangelization’ and ‘Unleash the Gospel,’ Fr. Solanus was doing just that.”

Lois Thomas and her husband Ron — a relative of the Casey family — were in the congregation.

“I remember my mom and dad bring us down from Van Dyke and Eight Mile to visit Fr. Solanus when I was 6 or 7 years old,” said Lois Thomas, who is also the sister of Capuchin Bro. Richard Merling, who serves as vice postulator for Fr. Solanus’ cause. “My brother, Raymond, was in a car accident at 17. His leg was badly damaged and the doctors thought they had to amputate. Fr. Solanus said ‘Don’t amputate,’ and today, my brother is still living at 84 with both legs.”

Thomas is a regular at St. Bonaventure — eight years ago she planted the garden at the Solanus Casey Center — and is thrilled not only for her family, but all families, at Fr. Solanus’ impending beatification.

“It’s a blessing all the way around, for not just us, but everybody as well,” Thomas said. “Thank God for the many blessings we’ve received.”

The Mass was an opportunity for first-time visitors to the Solanus Casey Center as well, eager to learn more about “Detroit’s saint.”

“This is my first time coming to the Solanus Casey Center,” said Millie Kuzera of St. Mary Parish in St. Clair. “I was introduced to Fr. Solanus by my mother, she herself met him. She gave me a piece of his clothing, saying that one day he’ll be a saint. Having Fr. Solanus means everything — it means my mother was right. It’ll be amazing to be part of (the beatification ceremony). It will be special.”

Further information about the beatification Mass — including how to volunteer and donate — is available at beatification.visitdetroit.com and www.aod.orghttp://www.aod.org/.