“Thank God ahead of time for whatever He chooses to send us,” these are the words of Blessed Solanus Casey, whom some call the American Father Pio. On Saturday, March 2, together with the youth group from our St. Patrick’s parish in Columbus, Ohio, we had the opportunity to participate in an amazing pilgrimage to the Capuchin Fathers’ convent in Detroit, Michigan. In this special place Bl. Solanus lived, served, and died in the opinion sanctity.  For 21 years he worked in this convent as a porter. He soon became loved by all people who were convinced that Solanus had an amazing relationship with God and when he prayed, he could receive healings and favors for almost anyone who asked for it. Always open and kind, he was ready to help anyone who knocked on the monastery gate. He was distinguished by simplicity of spirit and complete trust in God. Following the example of his favorite Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, he did even the smallest activities with great love. A man with a frail body, but with an enormous heart. Everybody loved him, as could be seen on the day of his funeral, which was attended by about 20,000 people. Solanus was beatified on November 18, 2017.

It was a great joy for us to visit this place. We could learn more about the life of the Blessed Solanus, pray for the needed graces at his tomb, attend the Holy Mass in the chapel in which he also prayed. And above all, each of us returned home with the feeling that we have a new friend in Heaven. I pray that we will be able to trust in God 100% and show with our lives that God is … and that He is LOVE.

Sister Paulina, OP