Lenten Campaign 2025
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A Michigan girl and her family are crediting the intercession of Bl. Solanus Casey for the sudden disappearance of tumors in her abdomen.
Mary Bartold, 16, of DeWitt, Michigan, was diagnosed in May 2024 with a pair of tumors on her ovaries, reported the Detroit Free Press.
On her left ovary was a 7.3-cm tumor, and on her right ovary was a 1.5-cm tumor. She was at risk of losing her ovaries, as well as other serious health complications.
Her doctors scheduled her for surgery in early August – but it turned out she would not be needing it after all.
On August 2, 2024, her mother, Susan, posted on Facebook that her family’s prayers had been answered: Mary’s tumors had vanished.
“I would like to thank all of you who have prayed for our daughter Mary and included the requested novena to Bl. Solanus Casey. I, in turn, would like to share our miracle,” she said.
On July 26, Mary underwent imaging ahead of her scheduled surgery, and was told to return for an MRI on Tuesday, July 30 – Blessed Casey’s feast day.
“I had hoped something big was in store,” she said. “Well … we received the call.”
Mary’s tumors had disappeared – and three radiologists had confirmed they were gone. Her surgery was canceled.
“Therefore, our family is heading back to the Solanus Casey Center today,” wrote Bartold. “This time, for a pilgrimage of thanksgiving.”
The Bartold family’s story was shared in media outlets in late March.
A six-month follow-up scan showed that Mary’s tumors had not returned, said the Detroit Free Press.
Seeking healing
Bl. Solanus Casey had played a large role in the family’s response to the news of Mary’s tumors.
Mr. and Mrs. Bartold first went on a pilgrimage to Casey’s tomb in Detroit on July 6, reported the Detroit Free Press, seeking both physical and spiritual healing for their daughter.
Mary received Anointing of the Sick on July 14. Monsignor George Michalek, who did the anointing, then asked her if “she was open to prayer from family and friends.”
Mary agreed, and Monsignor Michalek launched a novena asking Casey to intercede for her healing, said the Detroit Free Press.
Not (yet) official
While Mary’s healing is a blessing for her and her family, it has not yet been declared miraculous.
Fr. Edward Foley, OFM Cap., the vice postulator for Bl. Solanus Casey’s cause for sainthood, told the Detroit Free Press that he was aware of Bartold’s story, but could not comment further on her particular case.
Medical records of any purported miracles are sent to “board-certified physicians,” Foley explained to the newspaper.
“They consult with us whether or not we should get medical records. If we follow through with medical records, and there's a determination that there is no medical explanation, we send that on to our leadership in Rome. They're the ones who then decide what to do with it,” he added.
If the healing is declared miraculous, that would pave the way for the canonization of Bl. Solanus Casey.
Casey was a Capuchin Friar who lived in Michigan. He died on July 31, 1957, at the age of 86. He was beatified in 2017.
Should Casey be canonized, he would be the first American-born male canonized saint.
Aleteia reached out to the Bartolds and the Solanus Casey Center for additional comment.
