Dear Families,
Take Time to Chat- In today’s Gospel, Jesus is teaching us how to pray. How do you like to pray? Discuss the words of the Our Father given to us by Jesus. In your own words, explain the meaning of this prayer. What is something you want to ask for in prayer? Blessed Solanus Casey struggled with his studies but that did not stop him. What is something that you struggle with? How can your family support you and pray for you?
Meet Our Extended Family – Blessed Solanus Casey (Feast Day July 30) – Bernard Francis Casey was one of sixteen children born to Irish immigrants in Wisconsin. The Casey family were devout Catholics who prayed daily and attended Mass as often as they could. It was no surprise when Bernard decided to devote his life to God as a priest. For years, he struggled with his studies in seminary until he was told he would be better off joining a religious order. Bernard left Wisconsin to join the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. He was accepted into the order at the age of 33 and, taking the name Solanus after St. Francis Solano, was ordained a “simplex priest,” meaning he could not hear confessions or preach doctrinal sermons. Still, Fr. Solanus loved to celebrate Mass. He served as a porter, answering the door and hearing people’s needs. Fr. Solanus was recognized as a holy man, spending much of his time feeding the poor and caring for the sick. Many of the people he prayed for were miraculously cured of their illnesses; people would line up for blocks to see Fr. Solanus. He never turned people away when they wanted to speak to him. Many miracles have been attributed to Fr. Solanus Casey’s intercession. On July 31, 1957, Fr. Solanus Casey passed away. His last words reportedly were “I give my soul to Jesus Christ.” Fr. Solanus was beatified on November 18, 2017, at Ford Field in Detroit. His tomb is located inside the Solanus Casey Center in Detroit. Today, people continue to ask Blessed Solanus for help by writing their prayer requests on a piece of paper and placing it on his tomb.
Family Fun – Learn More About Blessed Solanus- The beatification of Fr. Solanus Casey happened only a few years ago. Here are some fun things you can do to learn more about him: Watch the beatification Mass at Ford Field or visit the Solanus Casey Center. Go to www.solanuscenter.org to plan your trip. Before you go, write a list of prayer intentions on a piece of paper. When you visit, you can place those intentions on the tomb.
Liturgy Link – In today’s Gospel, Jesus taught his followers the “Our Father.” We pray this prayer each time we celebrate Mass. Listen for the Our Father prayer at Mass.
Partners in Faith,
Phyllis Chudzinski