More than 60,000 expected to attend Solanus Casey Beatification in Detroit

DETROIT – Thousands of Catholics are expected to come together Saturday for a special beatification mass for Fr. Solanus Casey at Ford Field in Detroit. 

Fr. Casey's Beatification: What you need to know

For months, a steady stream of people have been at the Fr. Solanus Casey Center in Detroit, where Casey's tomb is located. Many Catholics pray and ask for help at the center.

Dorothy Dube's mother said she went to Casey for help when doctors told her she would lose her baby.

"And of course Fr. Solanus answered the door. [He] said, 'Go home and you're going to have a healthy baby.'" 

FULL COVERAGE: Father Solanus Casey Beatification Mass

She had a healthy baby, and Dorothy is proof of that.

Casey had an open door policy, and his family can attest to that.

"Solanus was known throughout Detroit. You know he didn't do anything but answer the door and listen to people," said his niece, Sister Anne Herkenrath.

The beatification puts Casey one step closer to sainthood, something the Detroit Archdiocese has been working on for more than 60 years because of how many people flocked to him for help.

Beautification ceremonies usually take place in Rome, but this weekend, many who would never get to see the ceremony will witness it.


About the Authors:

Nick joined the Local 4 team in February of 2015. Prior to that he spent 6 years in Sacramento covering a long list of big stories including wildfires and earthquakes. Raised in Sterling Heights, he is no stranger to the deep history and pride Detroit has to offer.