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Welcome to our Solanus Center blog. This is a space to simply share the experiences of grace and peace that are a part of the Solanus Casey Center. I have been moved by the sincere and profound faith that so many persons passing through the Center have shown. In visiting with pilgrims, in listening to confessions, in Celebrating Eucharist - the sacredness of this place, and the sacredness of the memory of our Venerable Fr. Solanus Casey have been eched into the meaning of my life, and have been a gift that leads me to love God in a deeper way. I hope many, through this blog, might be able to share in that sacredness of the movement of God through our lives - both after their visits to the Center, or their visits to this web site. I "thank God ahead of time" (as Venerable Solanus would say) for the many graces that this Blog will surely bring to many. Please share your thoughts by emailing lwebber@thecapuchins.org

January 27, 2012

When students are touring the Solanus Center and reach the Beatitude statues, the docent often asks if any of these impressive figures are recognizable.  Overwhelmingly the statue of Mother Teresa of Calcutta is identified and bits of information about her life tumble out.  Her small stature packs a dynamic woman of faith and holiness.

Most noted for her work among the poorest of the poor on the streets of Calcutta, India, Mother Teresa was a woman of intense prayer and action.  It was said that each day in the sisters’ little chapel, Mother Teresa would be interiorly nourished in spiritual conversations with our Lord for .  She would fill her days with caring for homeless people dying in the streets by bathing them, clothing them and giving them a place to die with dignity.

Remarkably, her response to people who asked her how she could stomach such abhorrent conditions and encounters, Mother Teresa would say, “I see the face of Jesus on each of the people I reach out to help.”  All of her compassionate work was founded on her relationship with Jesus. It was her love of Jesus whom she encountered in the poor that sustained her energy and power.  It was her prayer life that nourished her spirit to recognize the face of Jesus in the midst of such deplorable human conditions.

Truly the scripture passage in Matthew’s Gospel (Mt 25:31-46) in which Jesus judges His followers on their record for living out the Corporal Works of Mercy comes alive in the life of Mother Teresa.  “Whenever you did it to the least of my brothers and sisters, you did it to me.”  Mother Teresa’s approach to living out her faith was compassionate hands-on service in real human encounters.

January 6, 2012

Churches built recently seem to be missing the one architectural feature that conveys a building is set aside for a religious purpose; they are missing a steeple.  Often times in my role as the Hospitality Coordinator at the Solanus Casey Center I will be giving people directions to the Center.  One of the landmark features that acts like a beacon is the white steeple on St. Bonaventure Church.  From blocks away on Mt Elliott one recognizes the nearness of their destination by catching a glimpse of the steeple.

Steeples architecturally symbolize the transcendent nature of God.  They are bold and large.  They almost appear to be lightning rods that will somehow flag God down or transport our prayers to heavens.  This points to a world view in which God is “so far beyond us” that we must stretch to try and reach Him.  Perhaps the reason modern churches don’t feature a steeple is that the prevailing world view portrays God’s intimacy, “God is in our midst”.

The steeple, however, serves not only as a feature of church structures, but it additionally signals to the city around it, the presence of Christ.  Here at St. Bonaventure it was with great thought the Tabernacle containing the Eucharist was placed at the base of the steeple.  When a person catches a glimpse of the steeple, s/he is catching a glimpse of Christ’s presence.  In many ways the steeple invites all to draw nearer and become immersed in the Mystery of God who makes Himself available in our space and time in the Eucharist. The transcendent nature of God combines with the more intimate nature and beckons us to enter more fully into the Divine.

Sometimes we are invited to be steeples to the world around us.  We are called upon to witness to this mysterious presence of God as it pops up in our life. Like a landmark directing people to a building, when we become” steeples” we direct people to finding God’s goodness and love in their lives.

November 21, 2011- Sanctuary Light

Years back when I was a teenager our family was blessed with the means to travel to many wonderful places.  Since my mother loved churches, and my father loved trains, each city we toured included a picture of their rail transportation and a visit to the Catholic church or cathedral.  Sometimes the church building was more of a museum than an active church.  In those situations I found the Sanctuary Light near the tabernacle a good guide to know if Jesus was “in the house” or not.  If the candle was lit, I knew the place was much more than a building.

The Sanctuary Light alerts us that the presence of Christ is in the tabernacle.  It helps to orient our minds and hearts to the sacred presence of Jesus which is so close. 

When Solanus worked as a sacristan, he tended to the Sanctuary Light making sure the light did not go out.  He was vigilant in replacing the candles before their wicks burnt out.  He felt responsible for signaling to those entering the church that the presence of Jesus’ Sacred Body, the Eucharist, was present in the tabernacle welcoming each person with Divine Love.

Advent is a time of candle lighting.  The ancient ritual of the Advent wreath with its candles signifies the time of preparation for God’s Divine Light to burst forth in our world.  At our baptism and confirmation we received the Light of Christ.  In scripture we are reminded “let your light shine before all so that they can glorify your Heavenly Father.”  At this time of year we are invited to be vigilant like Solanus in tending to our inner Sanctuary Lights, the light that shines through us and points to Christ’s presence. (by Sally McCuen)

October 24, 2011 - Pray for the Living and the Dead!

On Sunday evenings I find myself engrossed in the new TLC series, Long Island Medium.  Watching the main character connect people with their loved ones who have ”passed“  intrigues me.  I sense the comfort they feel as they realize their loved one is still close by and can communicate with them.  There is something in our human nature that longs for a connection with our loved ones that stretches beyond death.

One particularly comforting feature of the Christian Catholic faith is our communion with the saints.  The month of November is a special time during the Church year when we emphasize the belief that the living and the dead are forever bound in the love and power of Christ.  It is through Christ, the Ultimate Medium, that we can remain united and communicate with our loved ones who have “passed over.”

Recently a friend of mine shared a “mystical” vision she had in church in which she saw a long line of holy men and women who had died just waiting for us to call on them to assist us in our difficulties and bring us closer to Christ.  What she shared heartened me greatly.  I have begun to call out to my deceased relatives to intercede for me with the various challenges I encounter.  I must add that the response has been most favorable.  I understand that their ability to assist me rests solely in the dynamic and loving power of Christ. 

The Church encourages us to pray for those who have died as well as those who live.  This great community of the living and the dead are all held in heart of Christ.  We share in a powerful unity that transcends death because of Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection. 

As fall leaves tumble to the ground, we are reminded that nothing lasts forever.  Our church uses this time of year to help us gaze beyond the limitations of this world and be aware that life in Christ is eternal.  Our prayers are the way we communicate with Christ and with our loved ones. Because of our faith, we believe they still love us and help us. All we need to do is ask.

(by Sally McCuen)

October 12, 2011. Sister Water!

As you begin reading this, pour yourself a glass of water. (Go on, do it.)

Okay, now observe this water in your glass. What strikes you about it?  Let your mind bounce around ideas.

Sr. Water is a tremendous gift from God.  Our very existence is dependent upon her.  Scientists claim that at times in our life we are composed of between 57 to 75 percent water.  No wonder we hear from health professionals the imperative to hydrate ourselves.

For you and I having access to clean water goes without much thought.  We live in the Great Lakes State of Michigan.  Fresh water is abundant!  Occasionally we hear about water rates going up and we grumble a bit, but there is no fear that the well will run dry.  That is not true, however, for so many of our brothers and sisters around the world where fresh clean water is not as accessible.  We often hear about people in more rural areas walking long distances to gather water in jars and transport them. We also hear of many people living in Africa who are fearful of drinking water because it is contaminated with bacteria that cause blindness.  And yet without water, we die.  Water is fundamental to the existence of life.

As I helped my sixth grader work on a science assignment the other night, I was again reminded of how generous God is in sustaining life with fresh clean water.  The assignment illustrated the Water Cycle and how through evaporation, condensation and precipitation, we are gifted with water.  The water falling from the sky has been made new.

Even though rainy days are rather gloomy, the bonus is that the water falling from the sky, renewing the earth, is absolutely FREE.  God doesn’t charge us for Sr. Water.  God gives her to us in order for us to live.

For Christians, our added blessing is that through Jesus’ baptism at the Jordan, all water has been touched by Christ.  All water is a tool of God’s to bring us back to intimacy with God.

Sept 9, 2011

When I hear that familiar “beep, beep” from my automatic coffee maker each morning, I reach for my mug and anticipate that delicious first sip.  It is a pleasure to feel the warm mug in my hands and smell the aroma. Occasionally, however, a momentary wave of panic hits when I notice that the coffee can is near empty and I frantically begin calculating how much I have left until I am able to get to Krogers to buy more. 

I, like, so many people living in the urban settings of the First World think very little about where our food and consumer items originate unless an ecoli or salmonella outbreak makes news’ headlines.  We so associate receiving our necessities in life from the stores that line our strip malls. 

In the Creation Garden at the Fr. Solanus Casey Center, one of the sculptures invites us to ponder the true source of all the items we need to live.  The sculpture, Sister Mother Earth, was created by a Native American.  It is shaped like a woman who lovingly has a circular empty abdomen and looks as if she is giving from her very depths all that she has.

Essentially, Sister Mother Earth reminds us that everything we have comes from the earth.  We think our clothing comes from Kohl’s and our food from Krogers, but ultimately everything comes from the earth and God’s providential care.  God created all the elements and cycles necessary to sustain our lives.  It is from this great and sacred gift of the Earth that we are physically alive.

Indeed, our very bodies are made up of the sustenance of the earth.  Sister Mother Earth is God’s great gift to us.  It is through the window of the earth that we see the presence of God’s loving care in our lives. We are called to live in holy relationship with Sr. Mother Earth by respecting her and her gifts and ensuring that ALL of God’s people have access to the essentials for living a good and healthy life.

With a grateful heart, we are invited to deepen our appreciation of the Earth and ultimately God’s providential care.  We are living in the midst of a miracle. - Sally McCuen

July 14, 2011

A Tucked Away Treasure-by Sally McCuen

A few weeks ago my 11 year old daughter was visiting me here at work at the Solanus Casey Center.  Knowing that her restless spirit needed a little peace and redirection we headed to St Bonaventure Chapel to pray.  On the way as we were walking through the Hall of Saints, she told me she wanted to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  After she met with Fr. Maloney in the confessional, she immediately wondered when I had last been to confession.  When I told her it was probably about a year ago, she quickly grabbed my arm and attempted to drag me towards the confessional pleading with me to do as she had done.

I complied.  Even though I have taught the mechanics of reconciliation for years, I still find it a little unsettlingly to open up my weaknesses and failures to another.  Be that as it was, I put forth my transgressions and offered my contrition.  What followed was not what I was expecting.

The Confessor’s words were filled with grace and rich in meaning.  He invited me to return to reading scripture and recognizing the presence of God.  It was not the content of the words he said, but the loving tone he used and by all means the workings of the Holy Spirit that stirred my soul with a glimpse of the Holy.  This sacrament was truly an encounter with the Divine.

The opportunity to meet the Divine in rich mercy is generously available at the Solanus Casey Center Mondays through Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM.  Confessors arrive at the top of the hour and remain until all confessions are heard. (They do not hear confessions at 1 PM as it is their lunch time.)

The Reconciliation is tucked away in the Hall of Saints.  In the waiting area is a lovely cross depicting Francis and Jesus.  On panels of wood beneath the cross are the words “stretch out your hands to heal” written in many languages.  It is sets the tone for reflection and examining one’s conscience. The Reconciliation Chapel is conveniently placed near the Mt Elliott entrance near the church.  People can park their cars on Mt Elliott and whisk in.

I like many Catholics have “tucked” the sacrament of reconciliation away.  It was good to learn and practice as a child, but as I grew older it was reserved for retreats and holy seasons of the Church year such as Advent and Lent.  As my daughter invited me back to the practice, I realized that this sacrament is a treasure.  It is a Grace-filled encounter and balm for a weary pilgrim on the journey to holiness.

Questions for Reflection:

1. When was the last time you went to Reconciliation?  If it has been sometime, consider what is keeping you?
4. Where else in your life are you seeing reconciliation occurring?  How have you been apart of the process?

June 23, 2011

In the Hall of Saints Pewabic pottery mosaics displaying the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy dot the outer wall.  Each mosaic brings to life a glimpse into the core action required to carry out that particular work of mercy.

The Corporal Works are compassionate Christ-like actions we are asked as Christ followers to perform for others that especially focus on bodily needs.  Feeding the hungry and giving water to the thirsty are two Corporal Works of Mercy that most people readily think of when asked.  The other Corporal Works of Mercy involve visiting the sick and imprisoned and giving shelter and clothing to those so needing.  Also, burying the dead is one of the Corporal Works of Mercy.  In most Catholic institutions opportunities to practice the corporal works of mercy abound with clothing drives and food pantries.

The Spiritual Works of Mercy, however, are not as well known.  They call the followers of Christ to focus on the inner person and offer compassion.  In many instances the Spiritual Works of Mercy are being practiced in our everyday life but we don’t realize we are about Christ’s work.

One of the Spiritual Works of Mercy that I find myself practicing almost daily with my daughters is Counsel the Doubtful.  Most days an incident at school presents itself in which someone has demonstrated a superior skill much to the chagrin of my child.  My daughter compares therself and find herself coming up short.  This begins the litany of all the ways in which she is defective, not good enough.  She doubts her own goodness and giftedness.  She forgets God’s providential presence in her life.

I find myself helping her refocus on what gifts and talents she does possess.  I try to help her not compare herself to another because her God given gifts and predisposition was given to her for a particular purpose.  No one was created exactly like her because no one else has her particular purpose.

My hope is to help them see that God wants them to have confidence in themselves and God’s goodness and presence in their lives.  Every time we encourage a doubtful family member, friend or acquaintance, we are practicing a Spiritual Work of Mercy.  This happens to many of us perhaps even more often than feeding the hungry or giving drink to the thirsty.

Reflection Questions:

Have you recently encouraged someone?  Reflect on that encounter.  Did your words help?  Did your listening help?

Have you been encouraged by someone?  Reflect on that encounter.  Did their words help?  How? Did their listening help?  How?

June 13, 2011

I am so edified by the faith of the countless pilgrims who come to the Solanus Casey center. They come from all walks of life and from various countries sharing a common faith and hope in God. they arrive seeking to place their intercessions before God through the intercession of Venerable Solanus Casey. These petitions are often placed on the tomb of Fr. Solanus and later transferred to the altar in the back choir where the friars gather for prayer. May the Lord bless all who enter this holy place and know that all petitions are remembered in the daily prayers of the Capuchin Community. - Fr Jim Hast.

May 23, 2011

The Desk.

One of the many holy spots at the Solanus Casey Center is Fr. Solanus’ desk.  The light brown colored desk with a number of his personal artifacts incased on top is a significant place to pause and reflect.

It is said that it was often a two to three hour long wait to meet with Fr. Solanus and sit with him at this desk.  People with a variety of troubles and heart felt sorrows would wait in hope of talking with Fr. Solanus and perhaps gaining a favor through his intercessory prayers.  So many of them were weighed down with suffering and pain, anxiety and worry.  Many of them would plan their journey to Fr Solanus for days and weeks in advance with the hope of being granted a grace.

It was at this very desk that a make shift altar formed.  The person who was in need would open his or her heart and share their vulnerability, their suffering.  Fr. Solanus would listen with great empathy and take that suffering and in the course of their conversation, he would break open the dynamic loving power of God already working in that person’s life.  He would open their eyes to the good, to the healing, to courage, God was granting this dear person.

When pilgrims visit the Solanus Casey Center and gather around the desk in the Exhibit Hall, they share the same space those early pilgrims discovered the life-giving power of God at work in their lives.  The pilgrims are invited to gather their prayers and open their eyes to the presence of God at work in their lives today.  This desk is a holy spot.  It is spot in which hundreds, if not thousands, have experienced the power of God.

Where are the spots in your life where you experience the power of God?

February 14, 2011

Every once in awhile it is good to hear how our prayers to Venerable Solanus are heard. I recently got this note from someone who wrote: "I heard of a family whose father was out of work for 18 months. Their house was in foreclosure; the children were very upset and the mother was the sole support for the family. Sh...e was a wreck, barely holding it together. For some reason this moved me to pray to Fr. Solanus for help. A few days after I prayed and asked for your prayers, the father got a good job and the family is back on track. Solanus came through once again."
Thank God for all the many ways in which He hears and answers our prayers through the intercession of Venerable Solanus.

February 4, 2011- The Christ Doors

As the visitor enters the Solanus Casey Center she/he is greeted by the stunning glass doors known as the Christ Doors.  The entrance foyer which looks somewhat like a tomb is filled with radiant light as the glass doors disperse the sunshine dancing throughout the Center’s main rotunda.

The Doors beckon the visitor to come in, to go deeper into this holy place.  The Doors have an almost heavenly feel to them as one stands in the cold, stone entrance way.  The Doors entice the visitor to leave the tomb-like structure and be plunged into the Light.

Etched on the Doors are three words from Matthew 7:7.  “Ask, Seek, Knock” We are told that Fr. Solanus first wrote these words in his journal as he began his spiritual journey with Capuchins in formation classes.  He writes that he is going to ask Jesus with abundant faith so that Jesus can not refuse.

The Doors are a prime symbol of the Solanus Casey Center.  As the porter, Fr. Solanus would open the monastery doors to the people who would come to ask the friars for prayers.  As Solanus literally opened the monastery doors, he essentially opened the door of their hearts to the presence of God at work in their lives.  The Christ Doors represent this same experience.

Although Fr. Solanus is not alive physically to answer the doors, the spirit of Fr. Solanus is most definitely present.  It is no accident the visitor has come to the Center because God is waiting to give him/her something essential for his/her journey of faith.  The Doors encourage the visitor to “Ask,” to “Seek”, and to “Knock”.  The visitor is urged to keep his/her eyes, ears and heart open to the promptings of the Spirit during this holy visit.

Reflection

1.  What do I want to ask God for today?  What am I seeking?  How do I knock?  

January 24, 2011 – Dorothy Day Beatitude Statue

One of the striking and memorable features of the Solanus Casey Center has to be the Beatitude Statues that grace the Rotunda.  Each person highlights a particular beatitude in the choices and activities s/he engaged in while alive.  The Beatitudes are a blueprint for living the Christian life.  These individuals give us great insight into how we can apply the spirit of the beatitude in our contemporary world.

The first beatitude is Blessed are the Poor in Spirit, and it is brought to life in the person of Dorothy Day.  Recently I finished her autobiography, The Long Loneliness.  In her honest and detailed writing, I noticed how God haunted her.  God was always in pursuit of her heart, even when she was heavily invested in her political activism for Socialism.  God stirred her heart most profoundly in the birth of her daughter, Tamar.   From those stirrings she invested herself in the Catholic faith. 

What touched me about her spiritual journey was how God used all her past experiences with social issues to make clear the core of the Beatitude on being Poor in Spirit.  Her relationship with Jesus brought depth and greater meaning to her work.  She showed immense respect and concern for all people, but especially identified with those living without financial means.  Her work in creating communities of hospitality in what became known as Catholic Worker homes were a living out of the Gospel invitation to give all you have away and follow Christ.  Her autobiography described the difficulties of living in poverty, and additionally, the providence of God’s love at work in all aspects of her life.

I was also touched by her devotion to the Rosary.  She loved to pray the rosary.  Her Catholic prayer rituals helped to center her in the Christian vision of how God wished the world would operate in love.

The event that always touches me about Dorothy Day is how God answered her prayer.  After her conversion to Catholicism she was trying to find her way and prayed for a person to help her and befriend her.  I understand that she prayed this prayer at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Washington, DC.  The next day Peter Maurin entered her life and was a fundamental influence in developing her Catholic Worker Houses.  God was so at work in her life.

Reflection Questions:

How is God at work in your life?  What is God using from your past to do good now?  How are your prayers being answered?

For the week of January 16, 2011 - Something to think about - from the writings of Venerable Solanus:

"The seed is the word of God," sown in the hearts of men that they may co-operate with it and bring forth fruit in works of faith.

How can you work in your faith to make it fruitful? Is there someone with whom you need to reconcile? Have you contemplated becoming involved in a social justice cause? Is their a neighbor or co-worker in need of a friend? Every act of kindness, no matter how small and inconsequential it may seem, is a piece of fruit from God, for both the doer and the receiver. Let this year be one for which your "fruit" bowl overflows!

January12, 2011

We have seen in Advent that preparing the way of the Lord is hard work, nourished and strengthened by faith. That hard work, and the faith that accompanies it, is not over just because Christmas has ended. As we enter the New Year it is time to walk the roads we have tried to prepare and "patch up" during our Advent journey. Keeping those roads open demands constant effort and viligance.

Venerable Solanus would frequently spend the entire night in "vigil" before the Blessed Sacrament pleading with faith in order to "prepare the way" for the graces of the Lord to come into the lives of the many people who came to him daily in their spiritual, physical and emotional needs. He didn't only do it during Advent, but all year long.

January 11, 2011

As one of my New Year's Resolutions I have promised myself that I would write more. My name is Sally McCuen and I am the Hospitality Coordinator of the Solanus Casey Center. Blogging is an excellent way to keep true to my promise and the Solanus Casey Center is rich in material to write about. (Fr. Larry Webber asked that we all share in blogging because there is always so much going on at the Center, it would be good to bring various people and topics to the blog.)

My contribution is in the form of a question.

What is your favorite spot in the Fr Solanus Casey Center? 

Here is a chance to think about it.  If you have visited the Fr Solanus Casey Center, you most likely have discovered a particular place where you felt the soft touch of God’s presence and providential care.  Where at the Solanus Center did the Spirit reveal Itself to you?

Even before I started working at the Solanus Center last May, I would pause and wonder what it was like to be at the Solanus Center at that time of day.  Sometimes the sun would shine through my second storey window and cascade down my staircase. I would catch myself mentally envisioning what the sun was looking like as it shined at the Solanus Center, perhaps through the etched Saints Windows in the Hallway of Saints.  The rays of sunlight would fall upon the stone floor and create a pathway to Venerable Solanus’ tomb. There is a spiritual connection that unites us pilgrims to this holy place even when we aren’t physically at the Center. I find that even when I am no longer physically present at the Center, I am still holding it close in my thoughts. Perhaps you have felt this too!

Over the next few weeks, I am going to look more in depth at some of the features of the Solanus Casey Center and offer some questions to reflect on.  There is a deep sense of God’s peace and presence here.  Perhaps as you reflect on the questions, you will come to re-experience and deepen God’s “touch”.

November 6, 2010

I've spent some time today cleaning up my desk. I don't know about you, but when things are in order I feel less anxious and worried. Of course, in the end - even when there is much anxiety and worry - all things are "ordered" by God, and in His hands. But His grace helps us to find order - and sometimes taking the time to "put things into order" helps us focus the energy and grace that God gives us each day. Prayer is really a time to "put things in order" and to understand how all things are "ordered" by God.

Our wonderful center is a place where many people come to find the space and time to "put order" into their lives. One of the most wonderful things about the ministry of Venerable Solanus was how he would simply listen and help those who came to him find peace. When we are at peace, we can sense "order" and "grace". I hope I, and all of us here at the Center, can bring that peace to all our visitors.

September 18, 2010

Here is it September - and I haven't blogged since February. I'm not much of a blogger as you can see:)

I also was busy for many months trying to handle the Hospitality tasks of Carol until we had our new Hospitality Coordinator - and in the midst of it we had the sudden and sad death of our long time receptionist - Paul Passeno.

Solanus has given us grace and strength in the midst of our trials. The spring and summer have flown by - and yesterday I saw a tree here in Detroit that was already in color and losing its leaves: Fall is around the corner.

Time flies, and I only pray that as it flies I might have the grace from God to glide safely and faitfully on it rapid current, and always be close to its source: the Creator who made us all.

Fr. Larry

February 21, 2010

Carol Nehra, our wonderful, warm and welcoming Hospitality Coordinator retired recently. The hole that it has left reminds me of what Fr. Solanus was really all about for those many years here at St. Bonaventures: it is all about receiving people and making them feel welcomed, cared about and listened to.

That really is at the heart of the ministry we continue in the spirit of Venerable Solanus here at the Center.

We will obviously need to be finding someone to take Carol's place (though that will not be at all easy.) But in the meantime, I am reminded that it is not only the hospitality coordinator who has to create that environment. It is the task of each of us who work here. And it is an invitation to each person who is inspired by Venerable Solanus: to create warm and welcoming environments in our homes, places of work and schools. That is the task of each of us, where ever we may be.

Fr. Larry

February 10, 2010

As I sit and watch the snow fall outside my window, I know how difficult it is for peopel to come here to the Center on a day like today. It makes me grateful for the many days and ways in which the Lord in his goodness graces people to be able to come to this very special and sacred place. There are many obsticales or excuses that people might use for not seeking out the graced places that God provides for us, and on a day like today I ask the Lord to open my heart and the hearts of so many to "clean the roads" that lead to grace.

Fr. Larry

February 5, 2010

As I worked on a Letter to be sent to our many benefactors as we enter Lent, this reflection came to me: "One page on this year’s calendar has already been turned and we find ourselves entering into the Holy Season of Lent.  There is, it seems to me, poignancy in the fact that Lent begins in the dead of winter and ends at Easter with the promise of spring.  Lent is a time for us to reflect upon the reality that we are limited creatures who, regardless of intent, find ourselves falling again and again into the cold death of sin – yet are eternally led, by Christ Jesus, into the springtime of redemption; the restoration of our deepest and truest identity as beloved sons and daughters of God." Our prayers are with all of you who visit us, here at the Center, and here on our Web Site.

Fr. Larry

January 25, 2009

Carol Nehra, our hospitality coordinator, recently trained four new docents, volunteers who help lead people on their pilgrimage here at the Center. I went up to our conference room, and saw all the notes on the white board - and one statement grabbed my attention: "The Solanus Casey Center is a beacon of light for people that live in an otherwise darkened world! It provides comfort, peace, but most important HOPE!!" One of the new docents made the coment: "I prefer to see the Solanus Casey Center as a place for people seeking to come out of their internal darkness."

Fr. Larry

December 31

Since Morning prayers and Mass this morning, today is a day to give thanks to God for so many blessings received in this past year. For me that has included returning to the United States after 27 years in Central America working to build up the Capuchin Fraternity and the local church there. But a great blessing I have received in returning has been my assignment to the Solanus Casey Center. I have always felt the support of Fr. Solanus in my years as a Missionary because of his great love for and support for the missions, especially through the Capuchin Mass Association which supports our missions. The Solanus Center is a mission in its own right - creating a space of peace and and invitation to growth in holiness for so many who pass through its doors. Today I offer thanks to God for all the many people who have touched my life here at the Center during this past year: for their needs and petitions. I pray that God will continue to bless this Center, and all who pass through it this coming year of 2010, with His grace and peace.

December 1st

We had a 4th grade Pilgrimage today from Everest Academy in Clarkston, Michigan. The students were so excited to share with me their most kind donations for our poor clients. One young man, brought a beautiful warm jacket and cough and cold medicine. They said they were collecting items for the past couple of weeks. They also gave a most generous donation to the Solanus Center. What touched my heart ,was their excitement and joy in being able to share their donations and gifts for our less fortunate families. Congratulations to all staff at Everest Academy for promoting the gift of kindness.

Carol Nehra, Hospitality Coordinator

November 22

The Center was FILLED with people today for the 139th birthday of Fr. Solanus. It was also the feast of Christ the King.

I was struck, in the midst of all the people, one rather elderly lady who sat alone and shared how sad she was as the Holidays approached. She said she had no one left to be with for the holidays.

It reminded me how many people come here to the Center to "feel a part of" and to be "included" - such a basic human need, and one Fr. Solanus always met with such humble and kind service. I hope we can continue to offer the same spirit of family to all those who come.

November 21,2009

I am always moved by how the peace and grace of this center around the tomb of Venerable Father Solanus draws and affects people. The other day there was a couple who spent hours walking around the center and the church, sitting, reflecting, talking.

As they were leaving, I asked how their visit had gone. They had been so touched by the experience. In sharing, the wife asked me about Secular Franciscan Nuns. Her hardresser was one, and she didn't know Nuns did that sort of thing. I shared with her that most probably her hardresser was a Secular Franciscan, a group of lay people - some married as this couple are - who colaborate with us Capuchin Franciscans in our life and ministry within the realms of their own life as married couples and familes. Here at St. Bonaventures and at the Solanus Center we have a very active Secular Franciscan fraternity, and there are others in the Detroit area. They were facinated by the idea. I told them the fraternity here at the Center gathers every third Sunday at 1:00.

Venerable Father Solanus worked alot with this fraternity, together with the other friars, and these lay brothers and sisters of ours are a huge support to us in our ministry.

Fr. Larry Webber OFM Cap / Director of the Center

October 22,2009

Last week at the Solanus Center, I had the joyous opportunity to meet a group of young nuns from Ann Arbor. Their order is Mary Mother of the Eucharist.

What touched my heart, through observation , was their childlike faith. They were so excited to touch Fr. Solanus’ tomb and the relics in our Choir. Their expressions of sheer awe and amazement was enchanting ,as they looked at each sacred venue throughout our Blessed Center. Everything I shared was received  with reverence , light and love.

By engaging in conversation with these young novices, I realized that their love for the simple things in life , like Solanus Casey, was transforming them and shaping their focus for their futures in a religious vocation.  Meeting these young messengers of the light of our Lord, was for me, a reaffirmation of my faith in so many ways.

After they departed I thought about their devotion to Mary, our Mother and Solanus’ devotion as well. Fr. Solanus once said, “Devotion to the Blessed Mother will bring untold blessings, for we can never be grateful enough to such a singularly chosen and priviledged Blessed Queen of the entire creation.” Amen my brothers and sisters

Carol Nehra, Hospitality Coordinator

September 1, 2009

By Colleen C., an employee of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph

Each time I attend the Wednesday healing service I am moved to tears. The service is a powerful demonstration of faith. The streets outside the Solanus Center are lined with cars and vans. The parking lot is full. People from all walks of life gather to find hope for their lives....or perhaps for a loved one. It's a wonderful oasis of peace in what would typically be a very busy workday. The music washes over you, sending you to a place without cell phones or email. A place where you can nestle in God's arms and turn your worries to Him. When the presider asks for intentions, the chapel comes alive with prayers streaming heavenward. And when the blessing occurs, you can feel the presence of God. At the end of the service, I usually wait behind and watch everyone leave. They always seem to have a lighter step.