We are pleased to announce the winner of the inaugural Blessed Solanus Casey Essay Prizes.
Br. Gregory Armstrong, OFM Cap. of the Denver-based Capuchin Province of St. Conrad and a student at the Oblate School Theology has been awarded the inaugural Prize in the graduate student category. Br. Gregory’s essay, Blessed Solanus Casey’s Pastoral Care: A model of Marian referral, deals with the day-to-day pastoral care of Blessed Solanus Casey during his life and ministry, and his intentional referral of certain spiritual matters to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to whom Solanus held an intense devotion.
“As Solanus would say, ‘Thanks be to God – Deo Gratias,’” said Br. Gregory. “I’m nearing the completion of my studies… and it’s just a joy really to be able to write about Blessed Solanus so that people can come to know my brother better.”
The winning essay was selected by a jury made up of women and men, lay people as well as clergy and religious, steeped in the spirituality of Blessed Solanus. The chair of the jury is Rev. Edward Foley, Capuchin, vice-postulator of the Cause for Canonization of Blessed Solanus Casey and award-winning author and celebrated preacher. Foley is the Duns Scotus Professor Emeritus of Spirituality and Retired Professor of Liturgy and Music at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. “Blessed Solanus Casey’s legacy continues to inspire reflection on what it means to live a virtuous life in modern times,” said Rev. Foley. “This essay offers fresh insight into his life of holiness and service, bringing us closer to understanding the profound simplicity of his faith.”
The jury did not select an awardee in either the undergraduate or younger scholar (under 40) categories for this year.
