May Message from the Director

Dear Friends of Blessed Solanus:

Its hard to believe that the Easter season is behind us and we are back into Ordinary Time. During this Easter season, we welcomed the Risen Christ with great joy in our hearts: Hallelujah, Christ is risen, he is truly risen! The power of the Risen Christ at work in the hearts of his people is so obvious. Here at the Solanus Casey Center we welcomed “record” numbers to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation and we had a full house each Wednesday for our Lenten series. Your Capuchin Brothers were able to pray along with tens of thousands who left their intentions at Blessed Solanus’ tomb or had them placed there when they called or wrote to us.

After the example of Blessed Solanus, and with the help of his intercession, so many faithful pilgrims, friends and benefactors are able to make such a great impact in our world today. His example of simple, humble and faithful service to all, especially the poor and the sick, is an inspiration. This example literally inspires people throughout the world. I’d like to share with you one example.

The Capuchin Province of Amala Annai (Immaculate Mother) in India, a province with which we in the Midwest USA have a deep relationship of fraternal love and care, has been so inspired by the example of Blessed Solanus that his statue stands above the doors to one of their ministries, overlooking the plains of Tamil Nadu in southern India. He stands as a beacon to the poor and neglected of that area, to welcome them to be fed and cared for and loved. The kind, gentle face of this humble Capuchin instills in the heart the merciful love and joy of the Risen Christ. How wonderful of our God to use Solanus as his instrument in the world, not only in his own time but throughout the world today!

I’d invite you to learn more about the Blessed Solanus Ministries in Tamil Nadu, India. This “sister” ministry of ours helps carry on Solanus’ loving care for the sick and the poor. You might even consider a donation to support the wonderful works they are doing through the power of Christ and after the example of Blessed Solanus: https://thalircentre.org/donate/.

Brothers and Sisters we are all called today to be instruments of Christ’s love in the world. Solanus shows us that you need not be powerful, or particularly strong, or overwhelmingly intelligent to do so. You only need a heart on fire with the love of Christ and for the love of his people.

Please know that your Capuchin Brothers here at the Solanus Casey Center continue to hold you and your loved ones in our prayers. We are always happy to receive your intentions and pray, with Blessed Solanus, for your needs. Also, save the date for our the novena beginning on July 22 and concluding with the Feast of Blessed Solanus on July 30. Blessed Solanus, pray for us!

Your Brother,
Br. Steven Kropp, OFM Cap
Director of the Solanus Casey Center