Naming After Fr. Solanus Casey
By Mahatma Gandhi (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Venerable Solanus Casey is set to be beatified on November 18 in Detroit, and if social media is to be believed, he’s got a lot of devotees! So many people love this simple, holy man!
My family believes my sister’s life is a miracle attributed to Ven. Solanus Casey’s intercession. In fact, my mom worked with the doctor who cared for my sister when she was in the NICU and our bishop to compile all the info from her traumatic birth thirty-three years ago, and submitted it to the Vice-Postulators for the Cause of Fr. Solanus’ canonization. Though a different miracle was the one recognized by Pope Francis as evidence for Fr. Solanus’ beatification, my sister has been invited to participate in the Beatification Mass, and we continue to thank God for Fr. Solanus’ intercession. (If you’d like to read more about my sister and her relationship with Fr. Solanus, my diocesan paper recently ran a story on her: Once stillborn, local woman will take part in beatification of priest who may have saved her.)
Molly Towne praying at the tomb of Fr. Solanus Casey. Photo by Stephen E. Towne. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
In keeping with his popularity, many people have asked me for ideas on how to name their babies after Fr. Solanus (Solanus is a heavy name, after all!). Between my own brainstorming and those of my readers, I’m happy to offer this list of ideas:
Bernard or Bernadette
Fr. Solanus’ birth name was Bernard, which provides a great way to name a boy after him. (He went by Barney; Bernie and Ben are other possible nicknames for Bernard.) Bernadette is a feminine variant of Bernard, which would make a nice double honor—Fr. Solanus and St. Bernadette!
Bonaventure
He’s entombed at the Father Solanus Casey Center at the St. Bonaventure Monastery, where he worked as porter.
Casey
Fr. Solanus’ surname has traditionally been used more for boys, but has good usage for girls as well.
Francis or Frances/Francesca
His birth name was Bernard Francis Casey; Solanus was bestowed in honor of St. Francis Solano; and he was a Franciscan Capuchin. The Francis names are a great way to honor Fr. Solanus!
Porter
Ven. Solanus worked as a porter, or doorkeeper, at St. Bonaventure Monastery, and as such he “met thousands of people from every age and walk of life. He earned recognition as “The Doorkeeper.” He was always ready to listen to anyone at any time, day or night … and to encourage everyone to ‘thank God ahead of time’.” (source: Solanus Casey Center)
Solanus, Solano, or Solana
Finally, I wouldn’t write Solanus off right away—the middle name spot is a great place for names that are tricky. Sometimes a good nickname is all that’s needed, and I think Sonny is a great nickname for Solanus! You could also consider Solano, after St. Francis Solano, which is where Fr. Solanus got his religious name, and for a girl, one of my readers considered Solana for a daughter in his honor. Lovely!
11 ways to name your child after #SolanusCasey by @sanctanomina #CatholicbabynamesClick To Tweet
Do you have a devotion to Fr. Solanus Casey? Have you named a child after him using one of the names on this list, or would you? Do you have other ideas of how to honor this holy man by name?
Copyright 2017 Katherine Morna Towne
