Frequently Asked Questions
What is the status of the Cause?
Fr. Solanus has achieved the first two stages in the Steps Toward Sainthood: Servant of God, then the title of Venerable which was bestowed July 11, 1995. Next is beatification where Venerable Solanus would earn the title of Blessed after approval of a true miracle. We are working with our superiors in Rome on a few cases that have potential. One in particular looks hopeful, but there is nothing official to report. The process is lengthy and complex, so we honor it by our patience and diligent prayers for those in Rome making the decisions.
What is the difference between the Guild and the Cause?
The Guild was established in May 1960 by the people who wanted to keep alive the inspiring life and work of Fr. Solanus Casey. The Cause grew out of that in 1966 in response to the miraculous favors attributed to Fr. Solanus' intercession. The Guild provides office support to the Cause. These two ministries share an office under the direction of Br. Richard Merling. More...
What is the Solanus Casey Center?
Part of the Guild's role in the 1960's included a museum and bookstore set up in the Third Order Hall. In 2002, the Solanus Casey Center replaced this building to offer pilgrims a spiritual journey inspired by Fr. Solanus. At that time, the Gift Shop was established to replace the Guild's bookstore. Today, the Guild still handles mail orders and supplies the Gift Shop with Solanus items.
What is Fr. Solanus' Feast Day?
Feast Days aren't assigned until a candidate for sainthood is raised to "Blessed" by beatification. It is customary to use the date of death, so in the interim, we acknowledge and commemorate Fr. Solanus on his actual date of death, July 31st.
Why is a Feast Day for Fr. Solanus listed in books and other websites?
Well-meaning people trying to help us promote Fr. Solanus often get misinformation. This is why we say that the Guild is your official source for information about Fr. Solanus.
What is the Province of St. Joseph?
Capuchins all over the world are grouped into Provinces headed by a Provincial Minister. Each Province takes a different name. Capuchins under the Province of St. Joseph include those here in Detroit; Milwaukee, Appleton, and Marathon WI; St. Lawrence Seminary in Mt. Calvary WI; Capuchin Retreat in Washington MI; and foreign missions in Nicaragua and Panama, just to name a few.
What are the other Detroit ministries?
We have several Capuchin ministries under one roof here in Detroit. In addition to the Fr. Solanus Guild, Fr. Solanus Cause, and Solanus Casey Center, here you will find offices for the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Capuchin Mission Association, St. Bonaventure Monastery, and Secular Franciscans. Several other groups meet here including the Eucharistic Mission Band who sews vestments for the priests in foreign missions.
What is the Third Order/Secular Franciscan Order?
Secular Franciscans are a community of Roman Catholic men and women in the world who seek to pattern their lives after Jesus Christ in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. Secular Franciscans are members of the Third Order of Franciscans founded by St. Francis of Assisi 800 years ago. The Order is approved and recognized by Rome and is made up of the laity (men and women) and also secular clergy (deacons, priests, bishops). Although Secular Franciscans make a public profession they are not bound by public vows as are religious orders living in community. The Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) belongs to the same spiritual family, to the Franciscan First Order (Friars Minor, Conventual Franciscans, and Friars Minor Capuchins) and Franciscan Third Order Regular (TOR). http://wiki.franciscanweb.com