November 25, 1870, is the birthday of Blessed Solanus Casey. Not that we ever need a reason to celebrate this soon to be officially made saint, but it gives us pause “to thank God ahead of time” or this truly humble man who answered the prayers of more than 6,000 people. This was documented in notebooks kept by Fr Solanus. Some saints are from many years ago and yet this man served in cities here in our own backyard. He was a true witness to humility! He lived a life of holiness and was tested over and over, throughout the ups and downs of his religious life and with numerous health issues. His example can apply to each of us.
“Blessed be God in all his designs.” We must be faithful to the present moment or we will frustrate the plan of God for our lives.” A rather unknown example of this, is the story of the ice cream cones. A lady stopped by the monastery and brought two Ice cream cones to him as a thank you. Being particularly busy, he put the cones in a drawer. Who could imagine that they would not have melted into a very sticky mess? Fr Solanus opened the drawer sometime later and found them as cold as if they had been in a freezer.
“Have faith in God, shake off excessive worry, and Thank God ahead of time.” As we remember this Holy man on his birthday, let’s pray this prayer.
Heavenly Father, I pray for the advancement of Blessed Solanus Casey’s cause for sainthood, that the more we may become aware of him, that many people be led to You by seeking counsel and blessings, just as they were during his earthly life. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen