Venerable solanus casey biography of rory hamilton

Because of his loving and outgoing nature, Father Solanus was extremely popular at his assignments in New York, Indiana, and especially in Detroit. However, his path to holiness was not an easy one. As a young man, Barney Casey—the name he was given at birth—was very prayerful and spiritual.

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After several different jobs—including as a prison guard, during which he made friends with many of the convicts—he decided God was calling him to the priesthood. At the age of twenty- six he entered the local diocesan seminary in Milwaukee, but because of his academic failures, was dismissed. The Capuchins, who are a branch of the Franciscan Order, quickly realized Barney was a spiritual treasure, capable of achieving great holiness—but they were also concerned about his intellect: would he be smart enough to serve as a priest?

He was hurt and confused by the request, but he made a heroic act of faith in God and humbly signed the document. Three years later, in , to his great joy, Solanus learned he would be ordained a priest—but then a further painful humiliation arose. Solanus was tempted to anger, depression, and self-pity—but at the age of thirty-four he accepted what would be a life-long humiliation, and prayed every day about it until he could actually thank God for humbling him in this manner.

Father Solanus was considered incapable of doing anything other than serving as a porter—that is, the member of the Capuchins assigned to answering the door of the monastery and dealing with the public. It was in this simple capacity that over the years he became truly holy Patricia Treece, Nothing Short of A Miracle , pp. In the same way, when we humble ourselves by accepting and embracing the life God has chosen for us, He is able to use us in a truly wonderful manner.