Gratitude and Grit: The Life of Blessed Solanus Casey

by Leo Wollenweber, Edward Foley (Foreword)

Gratitude and Grit tells the startling story of the simple friar whose loving concern for everyday people dramatically transformed thousands of lives. A warm, straightforward account of Casey’s life from someone who knew him personally, this book is a testament to the fact that God is present in even the most unlikely places.
Detroit in the first half of the twentieth century was a place of industry, a place of hard work, grit, and determination—an unexpected place to find miracles. But God does some of his best work in unexpected places, and so Detroit became home to one of the Church’s most gentle and humble souls, a Capuchin Franciscan now known as Blessed Solanus Casey. From his simple cell at the monastery where he worked as doorkeeper, Casey’s ministry of spiritual counsel and divine healing captivated the Motor City—and eventually, the world.
This reissue of Meet Solanus Miracle Worker and Spiritual Counselor includes a new foreword from Edward Foley, OFM Cap, vice postulator for the cause of Solanus Casey’s canonization.

Genres: Unfinished

136 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2022

Reviews

[Anna McCarty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful! Inspiring, especially regarding obedience, suffering, and always doing God’s Will. Deo Gratias!

‘Courage, therefore, and with the soul’s eye fixed on the goal of eternity, struggle on.’

[Kristijan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great, short biography of a man who is destined to be one of America's finest saints. Reading of Fr. Solanus's life gives a clear insight into the Capuchin charism, and his friendly nature and love of neighbor shines through the work, almost as though he were sitting next to you while reading it. I hope that devotion to his spreads, and that his canonization may be granted in due course as God wills.

[Gerri Bauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catholics know that a saint - or almost-saint - chooses the individual to share wisdom with, and not vice-versa. Such has been the case for me with Blessed Solanus Casey, a humble, compassionate Capuchin priest who died in 1957. This short biography was written by a vice postulator for Fr. Solanus's sainthood cause. The author, a now-deceased Capuchin Brother, knew Fr. Solanus personally. That lends authenticity to the biography. The book is very readable and includes Words of Wisdom from Fr. Solanus and a list of other books to read about him.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary: The life of Blessed Solanus Casey.

Why I Read This: Solanus Casey is the Detroit saint. He spent most of his life here as a porter and ministered to the people in the area.

Review: You could tell that the biographer loved him, which is nice. It was maybe a little bit too positive for a real biography, but great for a saintly biography. I enjoyed it.

[Amber Lapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple and straightforward account of the life and spirituality of blessed Solanus Casey, but beautiful in its simplicity. Written by someone who personally knew Father Casey, the writing style is warm without being hagiographic.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

"When Jesus sends crosses and trials into our life, He is inviting us to help Him save the world." - Bl. Solanus Casey

[Kelly F · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, simple look into the life of this very holy (and local to Detroit!) man