© 2024 MICHIGAN PUBLIC
91.7 Ann Arbor/Detroit 104.1 Grand Rapids 91.3 Port Huron 89.7 Lansing 91.1 Flint
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Legendary Detroit priest moves one step from sainthood

the Solanus Center
Blessed Solanus Casey

70,000 people are expected to pack Ford Field Saturday.

Not for a football game, but for a Mass to celebrate the life of a Catholic priest who is one step away from sainthood.

Fr. Solanus Caseydied 60 years ago, but he continues to be an inspiration to many.  During his lifetime, he developed a reputation of a simple man who inspired faith and healed the sick.   

Earlier this year, Pope Francis approved a miracle attributed to Solanus Casey, elevating him to beatified or blessed.  

Gerarda Tobin is organizing this weekend’s events. She says many people coming to Saturday afternoon’s beatification Mass are drawn to Fr. Solanus' reputation as a “healer”.

“I know there will be a lot of people who will be there that day praying for that,” says Tobin. “I’m just praying that Solanus will hear those and people will have the experience that they are hoping they will have on Saturday.”

Tobin is optimistic that the Catholic Church will be able to authenticate another miracle to Solanus Casey that will lead to the Catholic Church declaring him a saint.  

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.
Related Content