At the beginning of 1958 Fr. Gerald Walker, OFM Cap., Provincial Minister of the Detroit Capuchins, sent a definitive report on the life and virtues of Fr. Solanus Casey to the General Superiors in Rome.

The Capuchin Minister General responded with great admiration for Solanus and called him, “an extraordinary example of a true Capuchin, and a replica of St. Francis.” His tribute confirmed the many reports about the outstanding virtues of Father Solanus which began to come in from people everywhere.

So many people expressed a wish to preserve the memory of Father Solanus that, in July of 1960, the Father Solanus Guild was organized with the approval of the Provincial Minister of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph. The purpose of the Father Solanus Guild is to keep alive the inspiring memory of Father Solanus; to spread the knowledge of his holy life, and to help gather information to further his Cause for Canonization. The Guild has spread throughout the U.S. and many foreign countries. Information about joining the Guild and sharing in its work and benefits can be obtained by contacting the Guild Office at the address on the end page.

In 1966, prompted by the urgent appeals of the Guild Members and many Detroiters, the Capuchin Provincial sent to Rome an account of favors attributed to the intercession of Father Solanus. Capuchin Postulator General Fr. Bernardine of Siena appointed Fr. Paschal Siler, OFM Cap. to be Vice Postulator for the Cause of Canonization. He began to collect information about Fr. Solanus’ life and work from people who had known him personally. Br. Leo Wollenweber, OFM Cap. succeeded Fr. Paschal in 1974, and continued the research. The first biography, “The Porter of St. Bonaventure’s” was written by James P. Derum and published in 1968. Four other biographies have since been published and have spread the fame of Fr. Solanus far and wide. All are available at the Guild office.

In 1976 the Archbishop of Detroit John Cardinal Dearden, was asked to initiate the Cause for Canonization of Father Solanus Casey and he published a request that all writings attributed to Father Solanus be sent in. By 1980 these were assembled, typed, and bound into four volumes. After examination by two theologians Solanus’ writings were declared to be free of any doctrinal error.

The new Archbishop of Detroit Edmund C. Szoka opened the Diocesan Investigation on the life and virtues of the Servant of God in 1983. There were 53 witnesses, priests, religious, and laity who gave sworn testimony attesting to the extraordinary virtues of Father Solanus. They all had vivid recollections of his kindly concern for their problems and needs. Completed in 1984, the testimonies were presented to the Congregation for Causes of Saints. Then, another important step, the exhumation and examination of Father Solanus’ body took place on July 8, 1987. His body was then clothed in a new habit, placed in a metal casket, and re-interred in the north transept of St. Bonaventure Church.

On October 10, 1992 the three-volume position, or study on his virtues, was presented to the Congregation for the Causes for Saints for their review. On April 7, 1995 the panel of theologians gave it an affirmative decision. The Cardinals and Bishops in the Congregation met with Pope John Paul II on July 11, 1995 for the promulgation of the decree of “Heroic Virtue” and bestowed on Fr. Solanus the title of “Venerable.” This is the most important step for sainthood, however it is only after beatification that public devotion is allowed. For that, the Church looks for evidence of at least one true miracle. We pray now for the beatification of Fr. Solanus so that his life may inspire people everywhere.