Yesterday –
70,000 people were at Ford Filed in Detroit. They were not watching the Lions.
Rather, they attended a special Mass at which – Barney Casey - Bernard Francis
Casey – later known as Father Solanus – was beatified – this is the final step
before being declared a saint.
Born in 1870
in Wisconsin – one of 16 children – parents taught him to pray every day and at
night the family prayed the rosary together.
Barney was
raised on a farm. As he grew older, he had other jobs: cutting trees, working
in hospital, driving a street car.
In time, he
thought that God might want him to be a priest. He tried to study, but classes
were taught in German and Latin. He could not get it. So, he joined a religious
order in Detroit called the Capuchins – a branch of the Franciscans – they run
CYFM in Garrison. He struggled, but he
was very holy. So, they ordained him a priest – but would not allow him to hear
confessions or preach at Mass. Gave him the name – Solanus, perhaps because but
St. Solanus and Barney loved the violin.
Off to
Yonkers – Sacred Heart Church – they gave him a job that he would hold for most
of his priesthood – door keeper.
Movie “Frozen”
– Princess Anna and Prince Hans meet. They sing: “All my life has been a series of doors in my
face. And then suddenly I bump into you!
Title – “Love Is An Open Door.”
Love is An
Open Door. In time, the Capuchins unlocked the front door because so many
people came to see Father Solanus. He listened to them , he prayed with them,
he cared for them, he loved. He would encourage people – “Do something to
please the Dear Lord.” “Be faithful to
the present moment or we will frustrate the plan of God for our lives.” “Thank God ahead of time – His plans for you
are always the best.” He had an
Attitude of Gratitude “Thanks Be to God.”
After 20
years in New York, he was sent back to Detroit.
When he was walking on the streets, he was always giving his food away
to those in need. See – his 2 great loves were the sick and the poor. Father
Solanus, don’t do that! You are too skinny! He kept doing it – he and another
friar began the Capuchin Soup Kitchen – today it is the largest private charity
in the state of Michigan.
How
appropriate – 2nd Collection today is for Catholic Charities
Collection – and on the day we are feeding 151 families for Thanksgiving.
I am always
moved by the life of Father Solanus Casey – Barney – in the world’s eyes, he
had no great talents – but in God’s
eyes???
What talent
do I have? What is God’s plan for
me? Only a door keeper – ONLY - we are all door keepers – Painting in
London’s St. Paul’s Church. “The Light of the World” Behold I stand knocking at the door - but he cannot come in – no door knob – the door
keeper has to open the door. Let him
in!!! Because Love Is An Open Door!!!
