“I THINK THIS IS A GREAT MOMENT WHERE THE CHURCH IN DETROIT
CAN EVANGELIZE BY REVEALING THE INNER HEART OF FATHER SOLANUS,
NOT JUST RAISING HIM UP AS A HERO OUT OF OUR REACH,
BUT AS SOMEBODY WHO IS REALLY RELEVANT FOR US.”
Msgr. Todd Lajiness celebrating Mass
during the one-day symposium.
Fellow Capuchin Franciscans, authors,
scholars, and theologians shared moving
keynotes, testimonies, and stories that
brought to life the soon-to-be Blessed’s
humble, inspiring path to sainthood.
Evangelization was a featured through-
line of the symposium, with topics in-
cluding “Holiness and Evangelization”
by Dr. Ralph Martin, Sacred Heart pro-
fessor of theology and director of gradu-
ate programs in the New Evangelization,
and “How Father Solanus Unleashed the
Gospel” by Fr. Stephen Pullis, Archdio-
cese of Detroit director of evangelization,
catechesis, and schools. Monsignor Todd
J. Lajiness, Sacred Heart Major Seminary
president and rector, celebrated Mass, af-
ter which guests enjoyed lunch together.
The afternoon’s presentations by Dr.
Edward Peters, chair of faculty develop-
ment, and Fr. Peter Ryan, professor of the-
ology, illustrated in-depth examples of Fa-
ther Solanus’ service to the poor, personal
encounters, and his unique role as a “sim-
plex” priest. A vibrant question-and-answer
session between participants and speakers
brought the symposium to a close.
In addition to Sacred Heart faculty,
two members of the Capuchin Order
presented on the life of Fr. Solanus. Br.
Richard Merling, OFM, Cap. and Fr.
Martin Pable, OFM, Cap. shared stories
of Father Solanus and the impact he had
on the local community.
“I think this is a great moment where
the Church in Detroit can evangelize
by revealing the inner heart of Father
Solanus, not just raising him up as a hero
Seminarians and local faithful listen to keynote
speakers presenting on the life of Fr. Solanus.
out of our reach, but as somebody who
is really relevant for us,” said Dr. Ralph
Martin.
As showcased by more than 250 attend-
ees, Father Solanus’ exemplary dedication
to faith and service has left an indelible
mark on the community and continues
to inspire the lives of many in the Arch-
diocese of Detroit and beyond. In 1995
St. John Paul II declared him venerable.
Father Solanus was elevated from a vener-
able to a blessed by Pope Francis on May
4, 2017. On Saturday, November 18, at the
beatification Mass at Detroit’s Ford Field,
Father Solanus became the second Ameri-
can-born male to be beatified.
Maggie Doyle is a Catholic freelance writer and
editor based in Omaha, Nebraska.
shms.edu
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