Father Solanus Casey, Revised and Updated

by Catherine Odell

“What does it matter where we go? Wherever we go, won’t we be serving God there?”
Father Solanus Casey (1870–1957) — Wisconsin native, Capuchin friar, and miracle-worker — lived this motto throughout his life. By his gentle, cheerful example, he taught others to have that same trust in God.
Wherever he was sent — whether to parishes in New York City or monasteries in Detroit and tiny Huntington, Indiana — Father Casey was widely sought after for his wise counsel, powerful prayers, and miraculous healings. Visitors flocked to the humble monastery doorkeeper, seeking physical cures, advice, and spiritual renewal. Thousands of mourners attended his funeral in July 1957, hailing him as a modern saint.
Catherine M. Odell proves that Father Casey’s witness remains more important than ever. Featuring first-hand personal accounts and 16 pages of photos, Father Solanus Casey takes readers past the ordinary appearance of this self-effacing friar into his extraordinary holiness.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Author Catherine M. Odell, a native of South Bend, Indiana, grew up and was educated in the shadow of Notre Dame’s “Golden Dome.” A freelance journalist, curriculum writer, editor, and teacher, she is the author of eleven other books, including Our Sunday Visitor’s Those Who Saw Apparitions of Mary ; Apostle of Divine Mercy ; Praying the Rosary for Intercession ; and Angels of the 365 Reflections on Our Heavenly Guardians (co-authored with Margaret Savitskas). Odell and her husband Bill have two grown children and make their home in South Bend. She is a committed organic gardener, baker, walker, and reader.

Genres: Catholic, Religion

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2017

Reviews

[Sarah Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Capuchins are no joke. Pray for the canonization of Blessed Solanus Casey!

[Patrick Duran · Rating 5 out of 5]

The day before his death, Father Solanus told Father Gerald, a spiritual son to him, "Tomorrow will be a wonderful day!" This is a wonderful book about an amazing man who cured many people of their illnesses. My hope is that he is canonized one day.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a fan of now-Blessed (the book was written before he was Beatified in 2007) Solanus Casey, so I appreciated learning more detail about his life. There is a lot of spiritual value in this book, but the writing is dry and kind of a slog in places. This slightly updated version of the book is neatly 30 years old, though (it was originally written in 1988, and the slightly updated version my parents have was published in 1995). I would have liked to have heard more about the more recent developments in Fr. Casey’s Cause for Canonization (especially the miracles attributed to his intercession). There might be an updated version of this book, but as I wasn’t the biggest fan of the writing, I’ll look for another source for more recent info.

[Esther C.Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spiritual giant

I recommend this book for everyone to read especially young people. Father Solanus’ example is a pattern for all of us to follow. His example of Humility, not thinking more highly of himself than he should, compassion and concern for everyone, whether of high social status or not endeared himself to masses of people from all walks of life who bombarded the gates of every friary, monastery he lived for solace, counseling, and aid. He never turned anyone aside. He rarely thought of himself, always of others. This book was well written and can be read and understood by all ages! I highly recommend for all readers!

[Gerri Bauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned about Blessed Solanus Casey from this biography, but I still came away feeling as though there's much more to discover. I wanted more depth - more exploration of his interactions with the fellow Capuchins he lived with, more insight into why a couple of them thought he was grandstanding, more specifics about his decades of counseling, more information about how he coped with the ezcema that plagued him for decades, etc. Don't get me wrong - this is an excellent book and worth reading, but I will continue to seek out more information about this holy man who is on the cusp of sainthood.

[Tom Kopff · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of a remarkable man, but mostly tells us over and over how he was able to help people with prayers that resulted often in physical or spiritual healings. Remarkable man, but not a lot of drama in his life. Obedience, poverty, and chastity . A life devoted to helping others. Quite inspiring.

[Yvonne Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Book

A wonderfully written book about a great saint. My soul has benefited from reading it, and from the example of the life of this humble servant of God, Bl. Solanus Casey. I will send it as a gift to others.

[Luciano · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read the original book, and I was hoping for more updates or at least an indication of what revisions were made. This "second edition" of sorts could have waited some passing of time before it was drafted.

[Anna Drummond · Rating 2 out of 5]

Blessed Solanus Casey is amazing, I love him so! The writing took a lot of liberties, but I learned a lot about him.

[Rose Collins]

I read an older version of this book, not the updated edition which includes the miracles for Father Solanus' beatification. I became drawn to Blessed Solanus after reading about his life - his struggle to be accepted into the seminary where he was ordained as a priest that could say mass but not hear confessions or give sermons. In his talks with people who came to the abbey he would bless them, and many miracles were recorded through his blessings.

[Theresa Stiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent introduction to Blessed Solanus Casey, a Capuchin priest who lived in the first part of the 20th century and was dearly loved by all who knew him. He had a unique mission from God. Elizabeth O'Dell tells his story in a very easy to read and entertaining way. I really feel I have gotten to know this wonderful man through this book and would now consider him one of my friends. I encourage everyone to read this, even if only to get a feel for history during this part of time.