By Mike Stechschulte Catholic News Service DETROIT — For decades during the Great Depression and afterward, Capuchin Franciscan Father Solanus Casey was the “go-to” guy for those who were sick, poor, afflicted or discouraged in their faith. Standing at the doors of St. Bonaventure Monastery on Detroit’s east side, the holy friar would welcome dozens […]
Oklahoma ready to welcome beatification of native son
By Rhina Guidos Catholic News Service WASHINGTON — Catholics in Oklahoma have been preparing for a long time for this moment. Many, like Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, had faith it would come, but there’s still a sense of awe, to think that a farm boy, one of their own, is about to […]
Lithuanian archbishop, murdered by Soviet police, beatified in Vilnius
By Catholic News Service VILNIUS, Lithuania — A Catholic archbishop who was murdered by Soviet police to prevent him attending the Second Vatican Council became the first communist-era martyr beatified in Lithuania. “Long, hard years of prison, labor camp and house arrest may have gradually impoverished this strong, courageous witness of the Gospel, but persecution […]