Blessed Solanus Casey

A Simple Story of a Humble Man

The Face of Faith Found in Solanus Casey

Thanks Be to God for Blessed Solanus Casey

In the early 1980's, I first discovered leaflets in the back of a Church about the extraordinary life of Father Solanus Casey.  From that moment on, I felt powerfully drawn to a spiritual friendship with this simple, humble and very holy man.  It was as if I had always known him, and though most unworthy, I feel no less touched by him than the many thousands who have received dramatic physical and spiritual healings through his intercession.  He constantly prods and helps me in my brokenness, and I thank God for this special friend, spiritual guide, powerful intercessor and beautiful reflection of God's own love.  Most especially, I thank God ahead of time for the beatification of Father Solanus soon to take place and his ultimate canonization.  These recognitions will make this saint, whose whole life was one of service to others, known to the whole world.  "Blessed be God in all his designs."

Following is a brief introduction to the life of Blessed Solanus Casey and a longer video which explores his powerful spirituality and union with God.

A Sermon by Father Franklyn McAfee on Venerable Solanus Casey

"He Whom God Loves, God Chastises"

Sermon of Reverend Franklyn M. McAfee, D.D.

Pastor Emeritus

St. John the Beloved Catholic Church

McLean, Virginia

April 18, 2010

The Feast of Venerable Solanus Casey

If we only try to show the Dear Lord a good will and ask Him for resignation to the crosses He sends or permits to come our way, we may be sure that sooner or later they will turn out to have been just so many blessings in disguise.

~Venerable Solanus Casey

A young student in a Catholic school was once asked "who are the saints?" Thinking of the figures in the stained glass windows of the parish church, his response was prescient: "saints are the ones who let the light shine through.":

Today is the feast day of one of our patron saints, Venerable Solanus Casey. Father Solanus, a meek, humble, kindly doorkeeper, was also a great mystic, poet, counselor, and is thought to be one of the most prodigious healers in the history of the Church. Many of our readers appreciate the sermons by Father Franklyn McAfee that we post on Sundays. Father McAfee's mother was one of the thousands healed by Father Solanus. Father McAfee's own reflection on Father Solanus is here.

Father Solanus Casey so completely surrendered his life to the will of God that he became a powerful vessel through which the light, love, and Divine Healing flowed in miraculous ways.

For this extraordinary living sermon, example, intercessor, and reflection of Divine Love, Deo Gratias!

A Reflection by Father Franklyn M. McAfee - "Behold, I Make All Things New!"

Homily of Rev. Franklyn M. McAfee, D.D.

Pastor Emeritus
St. John the Beloved Catholic Church
McLean, Virginia

May 6, 2007