Thank God Ahead of Time: The Life and Spirituality of Solanus Casey

Before the introduction, the very first page contains the quote "Thank [God] ahead of time for whatever he foresees is pleasing to him that we suffer...We should leave everything absolutely in his divine disposal, including with all its circumstances, when, where, and how he may be pleased to dispose the events of our death." Just reading this short quote, I knew that I would fall in love with Father Solanus Casey. These are the words of a man who clearly “gets it.” The rest of the book only further confirmed that Father Casey, in absolutely everything, abandoned himself to God’s holy will, and wanted nothing more than God’s will to be done. Although he is currently (as of the time of this writing, November 2015) only considered a “venerable,” I have no doubt that I will see him a canonized saint in my lifetime. Thus, his story is worth reading, and especially given how recent his life was, his life is worth imitating as well, as he provides a model of the kind of attitude a 21st century Catholic should have (see below).Father Casey was born in Mississippi, spent many of his formative years in Minnesota. After he was ordained, he spent much of the rest of his life in Detroit, New York, and Ohio in the early to mid 1900s. The point is that Father Casey is an American through and through, and thus, one whose example is easier for Americans to follow, especially today. He went to baseball games, ate hot dogs, and played checkers. It is simply reassuring to see saints engaging in activities that are more modern. He also acts as a model to us by almost foreshadowing some of the more “openness” that the Church has proposed in dealing with the modern world since Vatican II. Here I am referring to the fact that Father Casey was extremely ecumenical when it came to non-Catholic Christians. He loved dialoging with them and talking with them. Never would he push them away or aggressively attempt to convert them, but through patience and love, would listen to them and help them become the best Christians they could be. He was gentle with them, yet as gentle as he was with Protestants, he was hard on non-practicing Catholics. This is not a spirit of indifferentism but rather, the fact that we must be united with fellow Christians when it comes to the spiritual battle against the modern world. For while Father Casey was happy to dialogue with other Christians, he most especially was (rightly) extremely disturbed by atheism and the rise of secularism in society. The dangers of atheism are expressly discussed in this book through the thoughts of Father Casey. Hence, the need for Christians of all stripes to join in solidarity against secularism. This attitude may have not been taught or even frowned upon in the 1700s or 1800s but because of aggressive secularism, both the Church and modern day saints have embraced our non-Catholic Christian brethren. Because the saints have done it, we too must imitate them in joining our separated brethren in the fight against modernism. In fact, it is interesting to note that Father Casey used the term “separated brethren” in 1917, long before Vatican II.There are many aspects of his life that point to him being an imitable and inspiring saint. He would make excuses for the faults of others. He was often compared with Saint John Vianney. He could not be distracted in prayer. His prayer was so focused and intense that he would not even slightly shift his attention from our Lord. People would come from all over to see him, Catholic and non-Catholic alike. Interestingly, he never was granted permission to hear confessions. Towards the end of his life, he showed a great deal of obedience and submission to what others asked of him. Furthermore, he not only embraced his suffering when nearing death, but desired to suffer more.This man is a saint. It is only a matter of time before he is a canonized one. Learn from him, and imitate him. This book is an excellent place to start.

Outstanding and Blessed man.

One of my favorite passages in scripture is Paul’s exhortation to “always ask God [for what we need] with a thankful heart”. The promise attached to this practice is “… God’s peace … will keep [our] heart and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.” Solanus Casey exemplified these verses in his words and in his actions. I found this book and it’s saintly subject truly inspiring!

This work is more “spiritual biography” than biography in the usual sense, probably because the strictly biographical facts of Fr Casey’s life could be told in very few pages. His was in many ways a very ordinary life, but he was a man with exceptional gifts and he left an inspiring legacy. The book is well written, and clearly written with conviction and from the heart, by a member of Fr Casey’s Franciscan order who has shepherded much of the work leading to Fr Casey’s beatification.

I have had a soft spot in my heart for some time for Solanus Casey, ever since a friend of mine asked me to pray for someone else, and I turned in prayer to Fr. Casey for his intercession. The person's health issue resolved, and I had discovered a new saintly friend. It's nice to have friends in heaven especially those who lived during our lifetimes. This book contains lots of pictures and quotes from Fr. Casey. We get a good insight into this holy man, who comes across as a regular guy, who just happens to have a childlike faith when praying for miracles. After reading this book, I am attempting to follow Fr. Casey's example and THANK GOD AHEAD OF TIME whenever I pray.

I knew very little of the Father Solanus Casey until I read about his beatification in Detroit just recently . I was happy to find this particular biography , written by a priest who was obviously very familiar with his life and his work . First of all a warning, that the digital version of this book is very uneven with many errors and misprints, but if one can accept it for what it is, it is well worth while. While Solanus Casey died when I was just a teenager, I still felt very much as though he were a man of our times . Clearly he was a typical Midwestern Irish priest , and his life reminds us that all of us , by using the talents God has given us, can achieve great holiness . Having read this book I have a new appreciation and greater admiration for Solanus Casey as a man and as a priest . I hope that as Father Casey approaches canonization and becomes the first American born saint, more will find this book a wonderful introduction to meeting a man and a good friend.

An exceptional story of the life and spiritual work of Father Solanus Casey with those in need. I liked the book and it left me wanting information on the spiritual life of this recently canonized Saint.

Beautiful biography about recently Blessed Solanus Casey, a man who lived his life in humility and service. This non-German speaking seminarian studied at a German-language Seminary. As a result, his grades were poor, and he was not deemed capable of hearing Confession or giving homilies. Ever humble, Blessed Solanus spent most of his religious life as a friary porter. This humble vocation turned out to be a great blessing for all those who sought out his wise counsel. I heartily recommend this book for all faithful who want to be inspired by this holy, 20th Century American.

A very good account of a beautiful soul that we are fortunate to have knowledge of. The eternal truths he expounded are plain and simple and of great value to all in my opinion. Father Solanus pray for us.

This book is a road map for all of us who wish to1) strengthen faith.2)live out our faith3) grow closer in unity with God4)a happier, contented loving person5)being more charitable and deep respect for the poor.

Love this book!! Will read again and again!