DETROIT (WXYZ) — Blessed Solanus Casey, who is on the road to sainthood, will be remembered with nine days of public prayers and masses this month.
The nine-day novena at the Solanus Casey Center on Detroit's east side began on July 22 and will end on July 30. Each day will focus on a particular area of Casey's life and ministry, and all are open and free to the public.
Casey was a member of the Capuchin order of the Franciscans, and was declared "Blessed" by Pope Francis in 2017 and a Beatification Mass was celebrated on Nov. 18, 2017 at Ford Field.
According to the center, more than 70,000 prayers have been left at the Casey's tomb this year, and more than 50,000 pilgrims have come to Detroit to visit the center.
During the novena leading up to the feast, the gift shop at the Solanus Casey Center will offer a 20 percent discount on all items.
The schedule is below.
Monday, July 22 – Mother Earth
7:45am and 12:00 noon Masses, followed by litany and prayer, with intercessions for protection and care for our common home
Fr. Solanus grew up on a farm and spent significant time surrounded by nature
Tuesday, July 23 – Music, musicians and artists
7:45am and 12:00 noon Masses with litany and prayer for musicians.
Fr. Solanus played the violin
Wednesday, July 24 – The sick
7:45am Mass
12:00 noon Mass with litany and prayer with and for the sick
2pm healing service. Service will be interpreted into ASL for the hearing impaired.
Fr. Solanus prayed fervently for the sick and suffering. His prayers and intercession were known to sometimes result in miraculous healing.
Thursday, July 25 – The poor
12:00 noon Mass with litany and prayer with and for the poor
Fr. Solanus inspired the creation of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen in 1929 in the early days of the Great Depression. Visitors to the Solanus Casey Center are invited to donate a gift of men’s or women’s socks and/or underwear for guests of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen shower program and the clothing distribution center at Capuchin Services Center.
Friday, July 26 – Children and grandparents
7:45am Mass
12:00 noon Mass celebrated by Fr. Ed Foley, vice-postulator of the Cause for Canonization of Blessed Solanus Casey, followed by litany and prayer for children and grandparents on the Feast of St. Anne, the patron saint of grandparents and the Archdiocese of Detroit
Fr. Solanus had great love for children and families.
Saturday, July 27 – Young adults
7:45am Mass
12:00 noon Mass followed by litany and prayer
As a young adult, Fr. Solanus encountered challenges and disappointments, but through prayer discerned and surrendered to God’s will.
Sunday, July 28 – Holy Mother Church
9:00am Mass with litany and prayer with and for all the Church, celebrated by Detroit Auxiliary Bishop Donald Hanchon
Noon Mass with music from the Solanus Casey Choir
Monday, July 29 – Those in religious and consecrated life
7:45am Mass
12:00 noon Mass with litany and prayer for those in religious and consecrated life.
As a Capuchin friar and priest, Fr. Solanus took a vow of poverty, chastity and obedience.
Tuesday, July 30 – The Feast Day
7:45am Mass
12:00 noon Mass with litany and prayer for the Feast of Blessed Solanus Casey
7:00pm Mass with litany and prayer for the Feast of Blessed Solanus Casey, with special invited celebrant, Cardinal Seán O’Malley, Capuchin, Archbishop of Boston
