9 DAY NOVENA SLATED TO HONOR VENERABLE SOLANUS …



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For additional information, contact:

Colleen K. Crane,

Public Relations Office

The Capuchin Province of St. Joseph

414.374.8841, ext. 27 (CELL) 414.254.2808

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FREE FATHER SOLANUS DVD AND STUDY GUIDE AVAILABLE TO SCHOOLS AND PARISHES

Detroit, MI (August 20, 2008) – The Father Solanus Guild, a Capuchin ministry, has created a DVD and Study Guide that features Father Solanus, a humble Capuchin friar. The free DVD and guide are available to schools and parishes.

“Father Solanus’ holiness is inspiring,” Capuchin friar and Father Solanus Guild director, Richard Merling, explains. “The DVD gives examples of Father Solanus’ incredible faith. Often, people think that holiness is unattainable. But Father Solanus demonstrated that an ordinary person can live an extraordinary faithful life.

“We are very excited about the accompanying Study Guide,” Brother Richard continues. “It is meant to serve as a starting point for discussion on many topics such as how we are doing God’s work here on earth. We hope the materials not only educate about Father Solanus’ faith, but serve as a springboard for examining one’s own faith and relationship with God.”

The Healing Prophet Study Guide was developed by Dr. Lisa Calderone Stewart, a Catholic educator, and includes three lessons plans: high school, young adults, and adults.

The 16 minute DVD is abbreviated from an original 60 minute DVD created by Audrey Geyer of GL Productions.

The free materials are available by emailing: healingprophet@

Solanus Casey was a beloved Capuchin Friar credited with miraculous cures and valued for his wise and compassionate counsel.

In 1966, the Father Solanus Guild helped to initiate the Cause of Solanus Casey for sainthood. In 1995, Pope John Paul II promulgated the Decree of Heroic Virtue for Fr. Solanus and declared him “Venerable.” Efforts continue to move forward as miracles attributed to Solanus are studied in Rome. One miraculous cure attributed to the intercession of Venerable Solanus will advance the Cause to Beatification and the title of “Blessed.” Another approved miracle after that will advance the Cause finally to Canonization or Sainthood.

The Father Solanus Guild, a Capuchin ministry, is part of the Province of St. Joseph of the Capuchin Order headquartered in Detroit which serves Capuchin ministries worldwide.

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Venerable Solanus Casey History Sidebar Information

Born Bernard Francis Casey on November 25, 1870 on a farm near Oak Grove, Wisconsin, he worked throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota as a logger, hospital orderly, prison guard, and street car operator.

At the age of 21 Bernard entered St. Francis High School Seminary in Milwaukee to study for the diocesan priesthood. In 1897, he joined the Capuchin Order at Detroit and received the religious name of Solanus.

After his ordination in 1904, Fr. Solanus spent 20 years in New York at Yonkers, New York City, and Harlem. In 1924, he was assigned to St. Bonaventure Monastery in Detroit where he worked for 21 years as the porter, endearing himself to thousands who would seek his compassionate counsel.

During his final illness, he remarked, "I'm offering my suffering that all might be one. If only I could see the conversion of the whole world."

His last conscious act was sitting up in bed and saying, "I give my soul to Jesus Christ."

He died at the age of 86 on July 31, 1957 at the same day and hour of his First Holy Mass 53 years earlier.

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