NORTHERN MICHIGAN BLESSED FATHER SOLANUS CASEY CENTER
AND FRIENDS OF FATHER SOLANUS
St. Augustine Church in Hillman, Michigan has been blessed since 2019 with a first class relic of Blessed Father Solanus Casey. Our dream is to create a Northern Michigan Solanus Center and shrine to Blessed Father Solanus Casey which will promote: the Capuchin Charism; the values of Blessed Father Solanus Casey; and the cause of his canonization. In the meantime we are working on collecting stories of “favors” received to create our own archive of the works of God through Blessed Father Solanus Casey.
In addition to a physical center, which will include classrooms, study locations, and prayer chapel, our grounds will also promote the sense of ecology and peace the Capuchins favor. Our grounds are comprised of several lots and are generally wooded.
Within one wooded section we have already established an Outdoor Way of the Cross dedicated to our Lady, and written a Marian Meditation for participants to use. The entrance has a statue of Out Lady and a small sign saying: “Daily she walked in his footsteps.”
In addition we plan: a produce garden (with heirloom plants) to supply fresh produce to our food pantry; a flower garden to supply our altar; and a meditation garden with statues.
We have organized a Friends of Father Solanus group to manage our progress, collect stories of Blessed Father Solanus Casey, create and present programs, operate a Solanus gift shop, and manage donations. Until our Church and rectory roof is finished, we cannot begin fundraising for the Center itself. Our gift shop items are generally purchased from the shop at St. Bonaventure Monastery in Detroit.
From the beginning we have kept as our focus the USCB “Norms for the Designation of Shrines,” and marked our gradual progress against them. Our spiritual philosophy is guided by the Capuchin Charisms: Fraternity, Minority, Contemplation, Ministry, and Justice, Peace and Ecology.
We welcome visitors and pilgrims. We will be offering a variety of programs throughout the Spring and Summer months.
Please contact us to submit stories and/or to be placed on our mailing list at: bfscshrine@yahoo.com or “Friends of Father Solanus, P.O. Box 379, Hillman, Michigan.
For programs or group tours, contact KathyStevens at 989-742-3469.
