Blessed Solanus Casey

Blessed Solanus Casey was born on November 25, 1870 on a farm in Oak Grove, Wisconsin. 

Possessing a great desire to make the world a better place, Solanus entered St. Francis High School Seminary in Milwaukee to become a diocesan priest.  As an english speaker, the predominantly German speaking community made studying very difficult.  It was suggested that he join a religious order.  He was invested in Capuchin Order at Detroit in 1897 where he received his religious name of Solanus.

The Capuchins were also a German-speaking order, which proved to be very difficult for Solanus in his priesthood.  Because of the language barriers, Father Solanus was assigned to be a porter at the monastery.  

For over 40 years, Father Solanus spent his life at the service of other people, joyfully welcoming them into the monastery, offering prayers and advice when desired. 

During his final illness, he remarked: "I'm offering my suffering that all might be one. If only I could see the conversion of the whole world." His last conscious act was to sit up in bed and exclaim, "I give my soul to Jesus Christ." He died in Detroit at the age of 86 on July 31, 1957 and is buried at St. Bonaventure Monastery.

Blessed Solanus Casey is the patron saint of apparent failure and setbacks. 

​Learn more about Blessed Solanus Casey HERE.