Solanus and friars serving the poor at what

would later be known as the

Capuchin Soup Kitchen.

Graphic by Michael Gaffney

Week ending 12 May 2017 Issue Number 1099

Friar to be called “Blessed”On Thursday, May 4th, Pope Francis delighted American Capuchins

when he approved beatification for Solanus Casey, potentially paving

the way for him to become the first U.S. born male to be

declared a saint.

In a recent article in Crux, editor John Allen said that “Casey is

arguably the closest sainthood candidate we have to the type of figure

who fires the imagination of traditional Catholic cultures, meaning a

saint of genuine simplicity who achieved no great works, but who

simply oozed compassion and mercy for the common person.”

Wisconsin born Solanus Casey worked a

number of jobs before becoming a Capuchin: lumberjack, hospital orderly and prison

guard. In 1904, after joining the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph, he was ordained a

“simplex priest,” i.e., a cleric who could celebrate Eucharist, but not preach or hear

confessions. For over two decades, Solanus served as porter (doorkeeper) at St.

Bonaventure Monastery in Detroit. And he often offered a bowl of soup to anyone

who was hungry, leading the way for a ministry widely recognized in the Detroit

area: The Capuchin Soup Kitchen.

“Long before we knew and loved Pope Francis,” said Michael Sullivan (provincial

minister) “we had the example of Solanus who lived the Gospel of Mercy...Known for

his compassion and simplicity, he drew many thousands to God. Rather than call

attention to himself, he taught people to thank God for His blessings.”

“There are, of course, saints who lived more dramatic lives,” said John Allen...”who

produced more memorable works. Few, however, incarnate the simple love of

ordinary people and their travails more thoroughly, and few reflect the selflessness of

real holiness more completely. That’s always been the Capuchin genius, and it’s why

Solanus Casey is now just one step away from the finish line of becoming a saint.”

The beatification date has not yet been set,

but is anticipated to take place this coming fall.

Press conference, Solanus Center: 4 May 2017

Page 2 of 4

Among those attending the festivities

were Vince and Jody Parker, long-time

friends of the Capuchins

Ron Rieder

Anne Araabome, SSS

A pastor retiresFor almost 33 years, Ron Rieder was pastor in Huntington,

Indiana. Ron was inducted into the Huntington County

Honors in recognition of his many contributions to the

wider community. Given his health and the needs of the

parish, Ron decided to retire, letting go of a parish he

served with great devotion.

A celebration of and for Ron was held on 30 April,

attended by parishioners, several friars and many

dignitaries from the area.

“With the retirement of Ron Rieder, we are also witnessing the end of nearly a

century of Capuchin presence in Huntington,” said provincial minister

Michael Sullivan. “Many friars, including myself, began our life as Capuchins

in Huntington. We will always be grateful for the support we received from so

many as began our journey as friars. It is a debt that can never be repaid.”

Ron is now enjoying retirement at the St. Fidelis Community in Appleton, Wisconsin.

“What we have seen and heard”“What We Have Seen and Heard” is a pastoral letter published by the black Catholic

bishops in September 1984. This series, which runs until October in Milwaukee, is

sponsored by All Saints Catholic Church Faith Formation Office and the Black

Catholic Ministry Commission of the archdiocese. On Saturday, May 20, 2017, the

series continues with focus on "Our Spirituality and Its Gifts" at All Saints Catholic

Church.

Anne Arabome, SSS will be presenter and facilitator. Arabome, associate director of

the Faber Center for Ignatian Spirituality at Marquette University in Milwaukee,

holds a doctor of ministry degree in spirituality from Catholic Theological Union

(CTU). She is completing a second doctorate in systematic theology at the University of Roehampton, London,

and her writings such as "Who is Christ for African Women?" have been published in academic research

journals on the roles of women, African spirituality and theology.

This program is open to all who have an interest in the history of black Catholicism and what must be done to

address societal challenges today. For further information and registration, please contact Cecilia

Smith-Robertson, faith formation director, All Saints Catholic Church at ceciliasr2@yahoo.com.

Page 3 of 4

10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Relations Zoom/Video Conf

11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jason Salisbury (B)

12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alfredo Gundrum (B)Leopold Gleissner (N)

13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Gaffney (B)

15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Isidore Herriges (N)Anthony Kote-Witah (B)

16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OPCC Zoom ConferenceJPIC Video Conference

Myron Kowalsky (B)

17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Relations Zoom/Video Conf

Linda Andrews (Capuchin Retreat administrator), underwent

surgery recently.

Colleen Crane’s husband, Dale, recently underwent heart

surgery.

I received prayer notices from literally all over the world. They

helped to keep my fears at bay. I appreciate all those prayers,

and happily report that the surgery was completely successful.

The tumor removed was benign, and recovery is going very

well. Thanks to everyone for their good thoughts and prayers.

~ Erico Ortiz

Resisting HappinessIn Resisting Happiness, Matthew Kelly asks: “Are you happy?”

Most of us would agree that we are, but there is room for

improvement. Philosophers, scientists, spiritual writers, and

many others have been exploring happiness for years. Kelly

believes that we readily sabotage our happiness. Our

resistance is found in our powerlessness, being overwhelmed by

fear and anxiety which become our worst enemies. The main

theme of the book, however, is that we resist becoming our best

selves. Resistance might arise from complacency, sluggishness,

doing what we should not by delays and lack of effort. Kelly

offers some sound and practical advice on how to deal with

resistance so we might live with more passion and purpose.

~ Richard Hart

Night Palace~ Joanne Kyger

"The best thing about the past

is that it's over"

When you die.

you wake up

from a dream

that's your life.

Then you grow up

and get to be post-human

in a past that keeps happening

ahead of you