And For One Saint (or almost Saint) in Particular

Fr. Solanus Casey had been dead nine years before we came to Detroit, but we soon learned  his legend, not so much from the church, but from the secular press. This man of peace was written about at length during the Detroit riots, and his order, the Capuchin Order, was renowned for their soup kitchen, which served the needy back in the great depression and is doing yeoman work today.

We took him and his story for granted. We live only eight or so miles from St. Bonaventure, where he was stationed towards the end of his life. When the order erected a Fr. Solanus Center next to the church, we often took visitors there. You can see his few possessions, including his robes and the violin which he played extremely badly. He was born in Wisconsin, one of sixteen children. He held various menial jobs until he realized he had a calling. The seminary where he started to study for the priesthood politely asked him to leave. Latin was too hard for him and the German which was the secular language of the seminary did not come easily to his Irish tongue. The story was the same when he was transferred to the Capuchin Seminary. He was, however, ordained as a priest simplex, which meant he could not preach or hear confessions. He moved around the country and lived for a time in Yonkers. Eventually he came to Detroit and was given the most menial of tasks, that of porter. It fell to him to open the door of the monastery for those who visited, and it was here that he came into his own. You only need to Google his name to find the numerous stories of his kindness, humility and readiness to talk to people from all walks of life. His reputation made the monastery a magnet for people with illnesses, problems or needs. Over 8,000 people attended his funeral.

So it was no surprise that Pope John Paul II set Fr. Solanus on the road to sainthood, and the last but one step was celebrated in Detroit last Saturday. Not in a church or basilica, but in Ford Field, the home of the Detroit Lions football team. 60,000 people braved the horrendous weather to attend Fr. Solanus’ Beatification, the last step before Canonization.

We were among the 60,000 in the vast building. Not only did we procure tickets (and good ones thanks to the relationship between the Capuchins and our parish), but we also got to ride on a bus and to avoid the misery of parking. As we got as to the assigned parking, the heavens opened. We did not have far to walk, but there were enormous puddles on the street, and the line for security was outside and long. Thanks to the two delightful women who sheltered us under their umbrella and admiration for the Capuchin monks who came from all over the country and braved the rain in their long brown robes and sandals.

There was of course much ceremony and gorgeous singing. The huge jumbotron which usually shows images of touchdowns allowed us to follow the events and see close-ups of friends who were singing in the choir. A great day, and affirmation that saints can be the most humble of people.