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Solanus Casey: The Story of Father Solanus
To this day, having known a few such great people, I still think that Father Solanus was the saintliest person I ever knew. ---From the Foreword by Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, C.F.R.
Father Solanus Casey, a gentle, compassionate Capuchin priest from Wisconsin, was the son of Irish immigrants. Although he worked most of his life as a monastery doorkeeper, he was often heralded as a 20th-century saint.
People flocked to Father Solanus. Those looking for cures from cancer, heart disease, and tuberculosis. Those seeking help for broken marriages, broken hearts, and broken lives. Those wanting to find spiritual health and renewal. He was remarkably low-key in his approach, but visitors continued to seek him out even after his poor health demanded a move to a small town in Indiana.
In 1957, at the age of 86, Father Solanus died at exactly the hour he had started his first Mass on the same day in July fifty-three years earlier. Pope John Paul II declared him venerable, the first official step toward sainthood. In showing others that a life-giving faith and a love of God can be both powerful and simple, Father Solanus is a source of encouragement and a model of virtue for the modern world.
Father Solanus Casey, a gentle, compassionate Capuchin priest from Wisconsin, was the son of Irish immigrants. Although he worked most of his life as a monastery doorkeeper, he was often heralded as a 20th-century saint.
People flocked to Father Solanus. Those looking for cures from cancer, heart disease, and tuberculosis. Those seeking help for broken marriages, broken hearts, and broken lives. Those wanting to find spiritual health and renewal. He was remarkably low-key in his approach, but visitors continued to seek him out even after his poor health demanded a move to a small town in Indiana.
In 1957, at the age of 86, Father Solanus died at exactly the hour he had started his first Mass on the same day in July fifty-three years earlier. Pope John Paul II declared him venerable, the first official step toward sainthood. In showing others that a life-giving faith and a love of God can be both powerful and simple, Father Solanus is a source of encouragement and a model of virtue for the modern world.
266 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1988
24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 21, 2015
I love Fr. Solanus. I pray for him to become a saint!!!
November 19, 2018
I wanted to learn more about the recently-beatified Father Solanus, and this book did give me information. But once in the Capuchins, Fr. Solanus had a relatively quiet, though admirable, life. He listened to people's problems, prayed for them, gave them advice, prayed, and played the violin (badly, apparently). Sadly, it seemed that he did not have very warm relationships with many of his religious brethren.
In any event, to produce a book-length work, the author resorted to reporting each cold from which Father Solanus suffered, and to quoting some not-too-miraculous responses to his prayers (as well as a number that were remarkable). So the book became a little tedious.
Also, Fr. Solanus was a friend of the controversial, pro-Nazi "radio priest," Charles Coughlin. The author mentioned this without comment. I found that a little disturbing, though I assume Fr. Solanus did not share Coughlin's extreme views. (The author did briefly refer to Fr. Solanus's anti-FDR view, though.)
The book helped me achieve my objective, however!
In any event, to produce a book-length work, the author resorted to reporting each cold from which Father Solanus suffered, and to quoting some not-too-miraculous responses to his prayers (as well as a number that were remarkable). So the book became a little tedious.
Also, Fr. Solanus was a friend of the controversial, pro-Nazi "radio priest," Charles Coughlin. The author mentioned this without comment. I found that a little disturbing, though I assume Fr. Solanus did not share Coughlin's extreme views. (The author did briefly refer to Fr. Solanus's anti-FDR view, though.)
The book helped me achieve my objective, however!
August 23, 2023
The author did a good job of telling all aspects of Fr. Solanus’ life, from his childhood in the Midwest, to his struggles to become a priest, to the amazing healings that surrounded him. His quiet, unassuming personality and job as a doorkeeper at his monastery may make him a surprising favorite of Catholics around the world but his quiet holiness touched so many.
March 25, 2022
This is the life and times of Blessed Solanus Casey who could possibly be the first male saint from North America, including growing-up years in Wisconsin, his struggles with school, his life as a Capuchin, and many examples of "miracles" he performed.
January 4, 2018
A simple man not smart enough to handle the full duties of a priest. But miracles occurred through his prayers.
October 16, 2014
The life story of a Capuchin monk who was unable to complete the requirements to graduate and become a full priest. He lived his life as a monk counseling many people. He is probably best know for his stigmata [the spontaneous appears of the wounds of Christ's crucifixion ]. An excellent study of a man's faith despite major obstacles.
August 13, 2013
One of my favorite books of all time! Fr's story is a wonderful intersection of faith, Trust in the Holy Spirit, a humble soul and Americana in a wonderful Midwestern era. This OSV version of his biography is very readable and enjoyable. I enjoyed this book much more than others on the topic.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews