by Tim Hinkle
DETROIT – April 3, 2025 — Br. Gregory Armstrong, OFM Cap., a Capuchin friar from the Denver-based Province of St. Conrad currently studying at the Oblate School of Theology, has been awarded the inaugural Blessed Solanus Casey Essay Prize in the Graduate Student category. The prize recognizes outstanding scholarship that deepens understanding of Blessed Solanus Casey's life, spirituality, and legacy. The winner in the Graduate Student category receives an award of $1,500, along with encouragement and assistance with publishing the winning essay in a scholarly journal or other form.
The essay was selected for its originality and scholarly contribution to the study of Blessed Solanus. The Blessed Solanus Casey Essay Prizes encourage new and meaningful engagement with his example of faith, humility, and service. Br. Gregory’s essay, Blessed Solanus Casey’s Pastoral Care: A model of Marian referral, deals with the day-to-day pastoral care of Blessed Solanus Casey during his life and ministry, and his intentional referral of certain spiritual matters to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to whom Solanus held an intense devotion.
“As Solanus would say, ‘Thanks be to God – Deo Gratias,’” said Br. Gregory. “I'm nearing the completion of my studies… and it's just a joy really to be able to write about Blessed Solanus so that people can come to know my brother better.”
The winning essay was selected by a jury made up of women and men, lay people as well as clergy and religious, steeped in the spirituality of Blessed Solanus. The chair of the jury is Rev. Edward Foley, Capuchin, vice-postulator of the Cause for Canonization of Blessed Solanus Casey and award-winning author and celebrated preacher. Foley is the Duns Scotus Professor Emeritus of Spirituality and Retired Professor of Liturgy and Music at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. “Blessed Solanus Casey’s legacy continues to inspire reflection on what it means to live a virtuous life in modern times,” said Rev. Foley. “This essay offers fresh insight into his life of holiness and service, bringing us closer to understanding the profound simplicity of his faith.”
Blessed Solanus Casey (1870-1957), a Capuchin friar and priest, is remembered for his profound trust in God, his compassionate ministry to the sick and poor, and his unwavering devotion to Jesus and the Blessed Mother. His example inspires many, drawing people closer to his message of gratitude and confidence in Divine Providence. The Solanus Casey Center in Detroit, a major pilgrimage site and location of Casey’s tomb, attracts 120,000 visitors every year. Father Solanus was declared venerable by St. John Paul II in 1995 and beatified by Pope Francis in 2017. For more information about Father Solanus Casey, visit www.solanuscasey.org.
For more information about the Blessed Solanus Casey Essay Prizes, visit www.solanuscasey.org/essay.
