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Catholics prepare for Fr. Solanus Casey beatification event in Detroit

Posted at 8:25 PM, Nov 14, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-14 20:25:13-05

The St. Bonaventure Monastery in Detroit is abuzz before Saturday's beatification of Father Solanus Casey.

Father Solanus worked in the city and was a member of the Capuchin Franciscan Order of St. Joseph. 

Now, he is on the path towards sainthood.

Catholics from all over the country are flocking to the Solanus Casey Center before Saturday's event.

Father Gerry Pehler said, "It's going to be bigger than the Super Bowl."

Nearly 70,000 people are expected to attend.

He said, "We've seen an increase of volume of people coming to visit, visitors, new people."

Tom and Carol Koza traveled from Florida and came to the Solanus Center straight from the airport.

Tom says he was blessed to have met Father Solanus when he was 15 years old.

"He was very saintly at the time," Tom said.

During that meeting, Father Solanus played some music for him.

Tom explained, "He just asked me, 'Would you like me to play my violin?' I'm thinking sure, small talk is over. So he played a couple of hymns."

Those praying by Father's Solanus' tomb are met with this message: "Blessed be God and all his designs."

With Saturday's event, Father Solanus is one step away from being named a Saint.

But his mission has always been to drawn in the faithful.

Father Gerry added, "He will help us get closer to God. Amen."

Saturday's event starts at 4 p.m but tickets have been sold out.

The event will be live streamed at WXYZ.com