Blessed be God in All His Designs

Father Solanus Guild Reflection by Br. Gary Wegner, OFM Cap. – August 9, 2024

Last summer, the newly ordained friar, Br. Nathan Linton, picked me up at the airport in Minneapolis to take me to his hometown in northern Wisconsin for his Mass of Thanksgiving. After we started the drive, Br. Nathan asked if I would like to make a stop in Stillwater, Minnesota, where Blessed Solanus lived and worked before he became a friar. I immediately said yes to his invitation.

When we arrived at the St. Michael Parish, Fr. Michael Creagan, the newly installed pastor happened to see us. Fr. Michael graciously took time from his busy schedule to show us the sites associated with Bl. Solanus, including the remains of the prison wall where he worked as a prison guard, the house where he lived with his aunt and uncle (pointing out the window of Solanus’ bedroom), and the church where Solanus was confirmed. It was a wonderful opportunity to visit places associated with our saint. And, to hear a new pastor relate that he had prayed to Bl. Solanus to be given this assignment.

Over the years I have come to know and love Bl. Solanus and his story. This is a definite contrast with my first encounter with him. As far as I recall, we heard nothing of Solanus during our novitiate year (or I wasn’t paying attention, a distinct possibility!) Forty-two years ago, I arrived in Detroit from Wisconsin as a newly professed Capuchin friar. My ministry was to serve those held at the Wayne County Youth Home. During an initial tour of the facility, the administrator introduced me to the Youth Home School secretary. Recognizing that I was a Capuchin, she reached under her desk, pulled out her purse and wrote a check. She handed it to me saying “This is for Fr. Solanus.” Returning home to our St. Mary Friary, I asked an older friar, “Who is Fr. Solanus? And I think I need to learn more about him!” I have done so.

As Director of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, the legacy of Bl. Solanus and the friars, laity, and Secular Franciscan who worked alongside him to found this important Detroit ministry is a very real part of my life. In the three years that I have served as Executive Director, I have heard many stories.

Last year, shortly before Thanksgiving, I received two letters that have stayed with me. An elderly woman had recently lost her husband who had been a police officer. She was dependent upon his pension. She apologized for the small amount that was all she could afford. Although limited in what she could donate, she shared with me how as a young girl she and her grandmother would walk several miles to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen to volunteer. They walked to save the nickel that taking the trolley would cost. They served alongside Blessed Solanus with a generosity and gratitude that I am sure he recognized.

The other letter was from a woman whose son had passed away. As a boy he accompanied her to volunteer at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen. Sadly, his own life went off track and he died too young and alone in his apartment. His mother was comforted to know that he had not died alone. In his wallet she found the Blessed Solanus relic badge that a friar had given her son.

Through the experiences and the faith of so many, my desire to know Blessed Solanus has been more than fulfilled. “Blessed be God in all His designs.”