Our Brother Blessed Solanus was truly a “man for all seasons.”
In his own life he knew sorrow, hardship and suffering. But he also knew joy, peace and hope in abundance. His ability to overcome his difficulties through hope made him a compassionate minister to others in their times of trial, instilling a deep sense of peace amid their suffering.
Solanus embraced his suffering to conform himself more and more to Christ, who transforms our lives:
“Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks – then the doing of your work shall be no miracle but you shall be a miracle.”
Although Blessed Solanus left this earth more than 60 years ago, people still flock to him in prayer, asking for his powerful intercession to help them find strength during difficult life circumstances. The Solanus Casey Center truly is a place of miracles, where people experience their faith growing, hope building and peace settling into their hearts.
I’m writing to you, as happens every year, to ask you to support our Solanus Casey Center Annual Fund Appeal. Our Annual Fund allows us to maintain the Center as a place of prayer, peace and healing. It also helps us ensure the message and example of Blessed Solanus is known far beyond the walls of this sacred place.
I’m hoping you will choose once again to show your faith in us and devotion to Blessed Solanus. Please join us in the work of spreading the Gospel message by supporting our Annual Fund appeal.
The year 2022 will see us mark significant milestones. In a short time, we will open our new gift shop and the Hope Café. This beautiful space will allow us to better serve our pilgrims and become a center of hospitality for our Detroit neighborhood.
Also in 2022, we shall mark the 20th anniversary of the dedication of the Solanus Center and the fifth anniversary of the beatification of Blessed Solanus.
There is so much to celebrate and be thankful for. There is also so much work to be done. In preparation for the anniversary celebrations, we hope to begin to refresh the Center, which is showing signs of its age and constant use.
This is a daunting task to even think about, but we are confident God will give us the strength and resources to accomplish these things, particularly with your help.
At the heart of this place is Saint Bonaventure Chapel, home of Blessed Solanus’ tomb. Every day, prayer intentions are placed at his tomb asking for his prayerful help: prayers for healing, strength, peace and a deeper sense of God’s power at work in their lives. If you like, please send me your intentions – there is room to write them on the reply form – and I will be sure they are included in the prayers of all the Capuchin brothers.
Blessed Solanus’ most famous saying was: “Thank God ahead of time for whatever He chooses to send your way.” I want to thank you in advance for your ongoing support.
God bless you. You are always in our prayers. Blessed Solanus, pray for us! Wishing you peace and all good,
Br. Steven Kropp, OFM Cap.
Executive Director