May 4 AOD and Capuchins to hold press conference following Vatican announcement on Fr Solanus Casey

WHAT:
The Archdiocese of Detroit and the Capuchin Franciscan Order in Detroit will host a press conference today to give official statements following a momentous announcement made by Pope Francis earlier today in Rome. At 10:30 this morning in Rome, the Holy Father Pope Francis received in audience His Eminence Cardinal Angelo Amato, S.D.B., prefect for the Congregation of the Causes of Saints. During this audience, the Holy Father authorized the Congregation for the Causes of Saints to promulgate the following decree regarding a miracle, attributed to the intercession of the Venerable Servant of God Solanus Casey, professed priest of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchins; born November 25, 1870 and died July 31, 1957.Father Solanus Casey was a member of the Capuchin Franciscan Order of St. Joseph in Detroit and one of the co-founders of the city۪s Capuchin Soup Kitchen.

"The beatification of Father Solanus Casey is an incomparable grace for the Church in the Archdiocese of Detroit and for the whole community of Southeast Michigan,۝ stated Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron, Archdiocese of Detroit. He is an inspiration to all us Catholics and to all of the power of grace to transform one۪s life.۝

Long before we knew and loved Pope Francis, we had the example of Fr. Solanus who lived the Gospel of Mercy,۝ said Fr. Michael Sullivan, OFM Cap. and Provincial Minister of the Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Joseph. Known for his compassion and simplicity, he drew many thousands to God.

WHEN:
Thursday, May 4, 2017
10:30 a.m.
Media is requested to arrive by 10:15 a.m ET; Remarks begin at 10:30 a.m. ET
The public is welcome.

WHERE:
Solanus Casey Center
1740 Mt. Elliott Street, Detroit
Press parking available on Mt. Elliott and Center۪s parking lot on Kercheval. Media please enter the Creation Garden۝ gate entrance off of Mt. Elliott.

WHO:
Speakers to include:
Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron, Archdiocese of Detroit
Fr. Michael Sullivan, Provincial Minister, Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Joseph
Fr. Larry Webber, Vice Postulator, Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Joseph
Br. Richard Merling, Vice Postulator, Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Joseph
Fr. David Preuss, Solanus Casey Center Director
Gerarda Tobin, business and community leader, will serve as Emcee.
Individuals who knew Father Solanus and a family member

ABOUT THE CAPUCHINS
The Capuchins are an international community of friars modeling themselves after St. Francis of Assisi. The brothers of the Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Joseph, headquartered in Detroit, serve in a variety of ministries including social service, schools, chaplaincies, retreat house and parishes in Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Montana, Arizona,and Panama. Established at Mt. Calvary Wisconsin in 1857, there are currently 169 members in the St. Joseph province.

ABOUT THE ARCHDIOCESE OF DETROIT
With roots dating back to 1701, the Archdiocese of Detroit administers Roman Catholic parishes and schools within the city of Detroit, as well as Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, St.Clair, Monroe and Lapeer counties. The 1.3 million Catholic faithful of the Archdiocese are ministered to by 596 priests, 173 deacons, 899 religious sisters and 79 religious brothers serving in 222 parishes, 92 elementary and high schools, and five Catholic colleges and seminaries. The mission of the Archdiocese of Detroit is one of sharing Jesus Christ in and through the church. The Diocese of Detroit was erected by Pope Gregory XVI in 1833 and was elevated to an Archdiocese by Pope Pius XI in 1937. The Most Reverend Allen Henry Vigneron, the 10th bishop and fifth Archbishop of Detroit, was installed on January 28, 2009.

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Media contacts:
For the Capuchin Franciscan Order in Detroit
Heather George, hgeorge@loviogeorge.com, 313-832-2210, 248-417-5773 (mobile)
Bridget Burns, bburns@loviogeorge.com, 313-832-2210, 313-218-2505 (mobile)

For the Archdiocese of Detroit
Ned McGrath, McGrath.Ned@aod.org,313-237-5943, 313-886-4114 (direct)