(Courtesy Photo/Maria Joyce)
By Maria Joyce
for the ICR
The Violinist: Stories of Solanus Casey is a new documentary by the Augustine Institute in partnership with Digital Continent, that chronicles the life of Blessed Solanus Casey (Nov. 25, 1870 – Jul. 31, 1957), a humble Capuchin friar and priest known for his deep faith, simplicity, and profound impact on those he served. Featuring personal stories from the people who knew him, the film showcases his remarkable ability to inspire others through his gentle presence and love for God, sharing heart-warming anecdotes about his modest lifestyle and passion for playing the violin.
Blessed Solanus Casey’s grandniece, Sister Anne Herkenrath, SNJM, along with Bridget Shultz and Father Dan Crosby, OFMCap, were featured in the brief, thirty-one minute documentary. Filming occurred in March at the Solanus Casey Center in Detroit, Mich., where Father Solanus had spent much of his priestly ministry, notably during the Great Depression.
Searching for unique stories from those who had personal encounters with Father Solanus in their youth, the filmmakers chose Sister Anne, Bridget, and Father Dan because of a common thread throughout their stories: the violin.
Father Solanus took up the violin in his youth and played at barn dances, albeit poorly but with great enthusiasm. The theme of the violin and Father Solanus’ lasting impression upon each interviewee are beautifully woven through the new documentary.
The long-awaited premiere occurred three days before Father Solanus’ feast day, July 30.
The family of Father Solanus said they were impressed with the efforts of the producer, director, and the entire crew. They added that the original music, animation and illustrations brought the documentary’s historical aspects alive. The interviews of Sister Anne, Bridget, and Father Dan gave a wonderful sense of Blessed Casey’s impact on their individual lives and its possibility for others today.
Sister Anne’s emphasis on Father Solanus’ “normalcy,” Bridget’s stress on the fact that Father Solanus just wanted to “lift” everyone up, and Father Dan’s inspiring view that we each have inside us the same Holy Spirit as Father Solanus, were especially appreciated by Casey’s family.
The Violinist can be viewed on the Augustine Institute’s digital platform, FORMED.org. If you don’t have access through your parish, you can sign up for a 30-day free trial.
You can learn more about Blessed Solanus Casey by visiting the Solanus Casey Center website at solanuscasey.org.
Maria Joyce, who teaches Religion at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Boise and leads campus ministry, is the great-grandniece of Blessed Solanus Casey. This is the first in a new series of articles by Joyce introducing ICR readers to Father Solanus and his road to sainthood.
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