Thank God Ahead of Time: The Life and Spirituality of Solanus Casey

by Michael Crosby

“Solanus Casey would never have considered himself a mystic but, paradoxically, his very insights about atheism point to his being so. Furthermore, he was not only a mystic, but a mystic in one who combined in himself the contemplative and active dimensions of the God-experience in such a way that he became a Christ-figure for many people.”—From Chapter Nine Appointed by the Vatican as the “External Collaborator to the Relator” for the cause of canonization of Capuchin Father Solanus Casey, the first man born in the United States to be declared “Venerable” by the Catholic church, Michael Crosby gives us an inspiring and insightful story of one person’s unswerving faith in God’s abiding presence throughout the universe. “For Solanus,” Crosby writes, “knowing God demanded a threefold appreciation, love, and service. Solanus wrote that everyone’s ‘purpose as a rational creature is to recognize and to know his Creator, so as to be able, intelligently to love him, confidently to hope in him, and gratefully to serve him.’” Besides the gift of healing which brought happiness to many, Solanus Casey also used his gift of prophecy to encourage and challenge and to bring back hope to others. But the humble Capuchin’s greatest gift was charity—charity that not only characterized his happy relationship with God but that overflowed in the warm, caring, fraternal and even humorous way he related to his neighbor.

Genres: Catholic

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 8, 2017

Reviews

[Joseph H. Kraker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful Introduction

I New very little of the Father Solanus Casey until I read about his beatification in Detroit just recently . I was happy to find this particular biography , written by a priest who was obviously very familiar with his life and his work . First of all a warning, that the digital version of this book is very on even with many errors and misprints, but one can accept it for what it is, it is well worth while. While Solanus Casey died when I was just a teenager, I still felt very much as though he were a man of our times . Clearly he was a typical Midwestern Irish priest , and his life reminds us that all of us , by using the talents God has given us, can achieve great holiness . Having read this book I have a new appreciation and greater admiration for Solanus Casey as a man and as a priest . I hope that as father Casey approaches canonization and becomes the American born saint, more will find this book a wonderful introduction to meeting a man and a good friend.

[Celia · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fairly new Secular Franciscan, I wanted to learn about Blessed Solanus Casey, and this Kindle book was offered practically for free, so I got it. Unfortunately, the print was so bad, changing font and size throughout the text. So, I finally would just increase the size every time I began to read. But, I am glad I read this, as I learned so much about him. He was truly holy and remarkable. There were so many people touched and changed by this holy man's beautiful prayers, in Detroit, Yonkers, NYC.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

This is a great book on the life of Father Solanus. He is a saint for our times. Father Solanus is a tangible role-model for all of us; he was an extraordinary man with extraordinary abilities.

Read this book!!!

[Tara Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

So happy to have read

Give 5 stars learned about not only Blessed Solanus but his family and friends. Insight on prayer and meditation.
How to give thanks to God for answering prayers first before asking. Ask and receive. Wonderful book!

[Myron T Howley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Franciscan look at one of their own, Blessed Father Solanus Casey !

An exceptional story of the life and spiritual work of Father Solanus Casey with those in need. I liked the book and it left me wanting information on the spiritual life of this recently canonized Saint.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading and learning about this holy man, a midwestern Irish-American. I especially enjoyed, and will surely revisit, the last chapter on his specific brand of spirituality.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Inspiring. To feel that no matter what your position in life, you are important. It was good to read something uplifting during these times.

[Michael P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Philippians 4:6-7

One of my favorite passages in scripture is Paul’s exhortation to “always ask God [for what we need] with a thankful heart”. The promise attached to this practice is “… God’s peace … will keep [our] heart and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.” Solanus Casey exemplified these verses in his words and in his actions. I found this book and it’s saintly subject truly inspiring!