Thank God Ahead of Time: The Beatification of Solanus Casey

While preparing to commemorate the World Day of the Poor, we were also aware of the Beatification of Capuchin Father Solanus Casey in Detroit on Saturday.  The Rite of Beatification took place in the presence of over 75,000 people at the Eucharistic Liturgy at Detroit's Ford Field.  A video of the Rite of Beatification is available here and the worship aid for the liturgy is available here.  More information about Blessed Solanus Casey -- whose feast day will be celebrated on July 30 --  is available here.  More than observing the ceremonies, perhaps we could strive to remember a simple maxim attributed to Blessed Solanus:  "Thank God ahead of time."  In one of his letters, he wrote, "God knows best, and, while we'll still hope for a favorable surprise, we can hardly do better than not only being resigned to whatever God permits but even beforehand to thank Him for His mercifully loving designs."  What a great message to take with us this week as we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving!

Blessed Solanus, pray for us!

P.S.  During the television coverage, it was nice to be reminded that the first beatification on U.S. soil was that of New Jersey's own Blessed Miriam Teresa, a Sister of Charity from Convent Station.