Remains of American Friar Exhumed Ahead of His Beatification

The Catholic Herald (UK) ^ | 8/4/17 | Mike Stechschulte

[marshmallow]

Relics of Fr Solanus Casey, who fed the hungry during the Great Depression, were collected and sent to Rome

The remains of Fr Solanus Casey were exhumed on Tuesday as part of the canonical process that precedes the saintly Capuchin Franciscan friar’s beatification Mass in November.

The purpose of the exhumation, according to the Capuchin Province of St Joseph and the Archdiocese of Detroit, was to both officially identify the body and to collect relics that will be used to venerate Fr Casey after he is beatified on November 18.

Archbishop Allen Vigneron of Detroit presided over the private exhumation service, which was limited to a handful of individuals, including three medical professionals who were on hand to examine the remains and report on the condition of the body.

“Presiding at the process for opening the tomb of Fr Solanus and confirming the identity of his earthly remains was a time of significant personal prayer for me,” Archbishop Vigneron said afterwards. “I especially give the Lord Jesus thanks for the gift of Father’s service to our community, above all to the least among us, and for his example of loving our neighbour with nothing less than the sacrificial charity of Christ himself.

“This day is a clear milestone on our path to November 18 and Fr Solanus’s beatification at the Mass to be offered in Ford Field,” he said. The stadium in downtown Detroit will be configured to accommodate 60,000 people for the ceremony.

“God is sure to give great blessings to all of us through this confirmation of Fr Solanus’s holiness. For this, ‘let us thank God ahead of time,'” the archbishop said, repeating Fr Casey’s oft-quoted refrain.

Capuchin Franciscan Fr Michael Sullivan, provincial minister for the Capuchin Province of St Joseph, was among the few Capuchins present for the....

[Slyfox]

It is about time.

[Bigg Red]

I didn’t realize anyone was asking you to pony up for this.

[Biggirl]

Good news fo Catholics of the Motor City archdiocese.

[OpusatFR]

“I didn’t realize anyone was asking you to pony up for this.”

Good one.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

Nor should anyone have to

[Campion]

The article you linked doesn't claim that It's a "moneymaker," but only that there's a large amount of money involved and the accounting procedures are sloppy. As the article notes, most of the money goes to pay the salaries of people involved in the investigation.

Do you expect to be paid when you work, or do you work for free? Perhaps you would like to volunteer to read everything written by Solanus Casey and everything written about him by others during his life, and write an extensive report. No, we won't pay you; that would just be wrong. You'll have to beg for your food and sleep on a park bench, and some anti-Catholic on a message board somewhere will accuse us of taking advantage of the homeless.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

As the article notes, most of the money goes to pay the salaries of people involved in the investigation. Do you expect to be paid when you work, or do you work for free?

Ha! Dedicated church people.

Most importantly, the Roman Church Saint Industry is rife with money and gifts to manufacture new "saints."

Sometimes money behind these desired saints will push them through 2 or 3 times until they find the right expert to pay and get the job done.

And as you point out, the money is largely unaccountable.

This is very different than God's simple declaration in Scripture that believers in Christ are saints - all of them.

[Bigg Red]

Where is that can of Trollbegone when I need it?

[OpusatFR]

I use Smells Like A Lefty. Works faster.

[Biggirl]

I would not be happy because of having a realistic view being called a saint while living. Called to be holy yes, but do not call me a saint.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

“Called to be holy yes, but do not call me a saint.

Only you and God know.

[Tax-chick]

I’m pleased to learn that Fr. Casey’s cause is progressing.