“SolanusCaseywouldneverhaveconsideredhimselfamysticbut,paradoxically,hisveryinsightsaboutatheismpointtohisbeingso.Furthermore,hewasnotonlyamystic,butamysticinaction:onewhocombinedinhimselfthecontemplativeandactivedimensionsoftheGod-experienceinsuchawaythathebecameaChrist-figureformanypeople.“--FromChapterNineAppointedbytheVaticanasthe“ExternalCollaboratortotheRelator“forthecauseofcanonizationofCapuchinFatherSolanusCasey,thefirstmanbornintheUnitedStatestobedeclared“Venerable“bytheCatholicchurch,MichaelCrosbygivesusaninspiringandinsightfulstoryofoneperson’sunswervingfaithinGod’sabidingpresencethroughouttheuniverse.“ForSolanus,“Crosbywrites,“knowingGoddemandedathreefoldresponse:appreciation,love,andservice.Solanuswrotethateveryone’s’purposeasarationalcreatureistorecognizeandtoknowhisCreator,soastobeable,intelligentlytolovehim,confidentlytohopeinhim,andgratefullytoservehim.’“Besidesthegiftofhealingwhichbroughthappinesstomany,SolanusCaseyalsousedhisgiftofprophecytoencourageandchallengeandtobringbackhopetoothers.ButthehumbleCapuchin’sgreatestgiftwascharity--charitythatnotonlycharacterizedhishappyrelationshipwithGodbutthatoverflowedinthewarm,caring,fraternalandevenhumorouswayherelatedtohisneighbor.
