A Powerful Intercessor

Father Solanus Guild Reflection by Br. David Preuss, OFM Cap. – June 23, 2026

In 2017, Fr. Solanus was declared Blessed by Pope Francis. It is hard to believe that nine years have passed since his beatification. Since the beatification, the number of pilgrims coming to St. Bonaventure Monastery and the Solanus Casey Center has remained above 100,000 each year.

This is not surprising for two reasons. First, Blessed Solanus is not just a holy man—there are many holy people in the Church—he is a man of effective intercessory prayer. In his ministry, he prayed with great intensity for those who came to him, and the results of that prayer were life-changing for many who sought his assistance. As he now prays in heaven, his intercession is all the more powerful. Many people come here to give thanks for favors received.

Second, pilgrims come to learn about a man who was not only saintly but also a kind and humble follower of Christ, offering a practical example of how we can live. The things he did are things we can do: greeting people warmly, listening attentively, and praying fervently with them. While his level of holiness may surpass ours, we can all strive to follow his example.

In this secularized age, we need powerful prayer and inspiring examples to help the next generation learn what it means to be children of God. Our society is filled with depression, anger, and violence; these are often the byproducts of hopelessness. The Solanus Casey Center was created to be an oasis of peace by helping people connect with God.

You and I are called to be messengers of Jesus’ commandment of love. May we work together to carry forward this work of Christ.