[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 189 (Friday, November 17, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1591]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING FATHER SOLANUS CASEY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM BANKS

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 17, 2017

  Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Father 
Solanus Casey and to celebrate his upcoming beatification on Saturday, 
November 18th. Father Casey was born in Oak Grove, Wisconsin, the son 
of Irish immigrants. Though he faced challenges in the early part of 
his life, Father Casey's love for God guided him to the priesthood. 
Thus, he joined the Capuchin Order and was ordained a simplex priest. 
On July 31, 1904, he celebrated his first Mass.
  Father Solanus' journey took him to all parts on the country. He was 
assigned to monasteries in New York, Detroit, and most importantly 
Huntington, Indiana, where he served the Capuchin novitiate of Saint 
Felix. He was known for his kind demeanor, his ``attitude of 
gratitude,'' and his devotion to the Church and God. He served the 
people of Huntington with distinction from 1946 to 1956. Shortly after, 
Father Solanus passed away on July 31, 1957.
  After years of research and advocacy by the Father Solanus Guild, 
Father Solanus will be recognized as another step farther along the 
path to Sainthood this weekend. I am particularly pleased that the 
Catholic Church is recognizing a man who touched so many lives in 
Northeast Indiana. Father Solanus still has a strong following to this 
day, and I would like to congratulate the Catholic Diocese of Fort 
Wayne-South Bend for all of its efforts throughout the years to 
celebrate the life and memory of this generous man. I am excited to 
celebrate this momentous occasion with all of my constituents whose 
lives have been touched by Father Solanus and his ministry. Father 
Solanus Casey truly lived a noble, Christian life.

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