Blessed Solanus: Simplicity and Trust
Those of you fortunate enough to know Br. Edward Mancuso are probably also blessed to recognize the name “Solanus Casey.” Rarely have I encountered the Abbey’s beloved Guest Master without sharing a moment of prayer for Blessed Solanus’ intercession, and since we celebrated his feast day on July 30, I’ve been thinking about this holy Capuchin priest, for whom Br. Edward has such a joyful devotion.
Known for his gentleness, his gratitude, and his merciful compassion for the poor and sick, Father Solanus espoused a trusting simplicity of faith rooted in that “peace the world cannot give.” And though throughout his life he served communities in Wisconsin, Indiana, New York, and Detroit (where the Solanus Casey Center is located), I particularly like to imagine him in his role as porter at St. Bonaventure Monastery, where he welcomed each guest with such attentive hospitality and offered the comfort that never ceases to “thank God ahead of time.” Blessed Solanus trusted that the Lord would bring good from all things, and in response God worked many miraculous healings through his intercession, both during life and after his death.
Before we all rush headlong into the weekend, I wanted to take a moment to share with you the prayer for Blessed Solanus’ intercession and canonization. Since Br. Edward first introduced me to it, I have come to love the way its simplicity and trust cut through the anxious circles I sometimes make in my prayer. Like Blessed Solanus himself, this prayer reminds me that inviting God into my life each day – and trusting Him to act in me even (or especially) when I don’t trust my own capacity – only takes the simplest, earnest movement toward God:
O God, I adore You. I give myself to You.
May I be the person You want me to be,
and May Your will be done in my life today.
I thank You for the gifts You gave Father Solanus.
If it is Your Will, bless us with the Canonization of Father Solanus
so that others may imitate and carry on his love
for all the poor and suffering of our world.
As he joyfully accepted Your divine plans,
I ask You, according to Your Will, to hear my prayer for… (your intention)
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
“Blessed be God in all His Designs.”
May each of us renew in simplicity our commitment to God and our trust in His Love, which never fails to act in and through all things.
