Bl. Solanus Casey was born Bernard Francis Casey on Nov. 25, 1870 on a farm near Oak Grove, Wisconsin along the Mississippi River. He was the sixth child in a family of ten boys and six girls born to Irish immigrant parents.

Barney invited his mother and his sister Ellen to join him in praying a novena for the nine days leading up to the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. After Holy Communion on the last day, Barney distinctly heard the Blessed Mother telling him, “Go to Detroit” where the Capuchins were situated.

After his ordination, Bl. Solanus spent 20 years in New York, Harlem, and Yonkers. He was assigned to St. Bonaventure Monastery in Detroit where he worked for 20 years, August 1, 1924-July 23, 1945.

One of the keynotes of Bl. Solanus’ spirituality might be an Attitude of Gratitude which he called “the first sign of a thinking, rational creature.” The prayer of “Thanks be to God” poured continually from his lips. “Love for God and neighbor” is another recurring theme of his writings along with obedience, trust, humility, and patience.

It was at the monastery door, though, where Bl. Solanus became a much-loved and sought-after counselor. Eventually, visitors came and asked for Bl. Solanus. Sick people sought his blessing and remarkable cures began to take place.