Denver Capuchin Friar Awarded Blessed Solanus Casey Essay Prize

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In a moment of joyous recognition, Br. Gregory Armstrong, OFM Cap., a Capuchin friar from the Denver-based Province of St. Conrad, has been honored with the inaugural Blessed Solanus Casey Essay Prize in the Graduate Student category. The prize was created to encourage meaningful engagement with the life and example of this holy friar, whose dedication to the poor, the sick and the suffering resonates deeply within the Church today.

Blessed Solanus Casey (1870-1957) is remembered for his unwavering trust in Divine Providence, his compassionate ministry and his simple yet profound spirituality. His devotion to Jesus and the Blessed Mother and his deep faith in God’s plan continue to inspire thousands of people. Each year, over 120,000 pilgrims visit the Solanus Casey Center in Detroit, where his tomb serves as a place of prayer and reflection. In 1995, Blessed Solanus was declared venerable by Pope St. John Paul II, and in 2017, he was beatified by Pope Francis.

Announced on April 3, the Blessed Solanus Casey Essay Prize celebrates outstanding scholarship that deepens our understanding of Blessed Solanus Casey’s life, spirituality and legacy.

The winning essay was selected by a distinguished jury composed of clergy, religious and lay people, all deeply immersed in Blessed Solanus's spirituality. Among them is Father Edward Foley, a Capuchin and the vice-postulator of Blessed Solanus’ cause for canonization, who remarked, “Blessed Solanus Casey’s legacy continues to inspire reflection on what it means to live a virtuous life in modern times. This essay offers fresh insight into his life of holiness and service, bringing us closer to understanding the profound simplicity of his faith.”

Br. Armstrong, currently studying at the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, TX, received the cash prize for his thought-provoking essay, Blessed Solanus Casey’s Pastoral Care: A Model of Marian Referral. His essay explores the day-to-day pastoral care that Blessed Solanus offered to those in need and his intentional, prayerful referrals of spiritual matters to the Blessed Virgin Mary, in whose intercession he trusted as a central aspect of his ministry.

Reflecting on his award, Br. Armstrong humbly stated, “As Solanus would say, ‘Thanks be to God – Deo Gratias.’ 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.”

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For more information about Blessed Solanus Casey and his legacy, visit the Solanus Casey Center website at www.solanuscasey.org. For those eager to learn more about the Blessed Solanus Casey Essay Prizes, including submission details, visit www.solanuscasey.org/essay.