An Hour With Solanus Casey tells the story of Bernard Francis “Barney” Casey, born in November, 1870. In 1897, Barney entered the novitiate of the Capuchins at St. Bonaventure’s in Detroit, where he was given the name Friar Francis Solanus. Ordained in 1904, he was not allowed to preach sermons or hear confessions; instead he was assigned the tasks of porter, friary doorkeeper, and receptionist.
Fr. Solanus would become a popular, approachable spiritual director to countless souls in this ministry, and his prayers for others were frequently answered favorably. He is noted for his ability to discover joy in ordinary tasks. Menial jobs of any kind were viewed by Solanus as occasions to greet the presence of God in others.
