A priest born in Wisconsin is on the path to sainthood.
Father Solanus Casey will be beatified Saturday, Nov. 18 in Detroit. It's a ceremony that is expected to attract a crowd of nearly 70 thousand people.
"It's kind of like the Catholic Super Bowl," said Daniel Williams, a seminarian at Saint Francis de Sales Seminary. "Not too many Americans have been beatified in the Catholic Church."
In fact, only two other Americans currently hold the title of blessed, one step away from being named a saint.
Father Steven Avella is Saint Francis de Sales historian.
He says Father Solanus Casey went to school at the seminary before ministering in Detroit for two decades.
Father Avella says this weekends ceremony is sparking excitement among the faithful who are reflecting on Father Casey's life and selfless service.
"This man left such a legacy of kindness, of openness, of simplicity and people were touched by that. That always attracts people. Goodness always attracts," said Father Steven.
Father Avella said supporters have been pointing to many miracles to support sainthood.
Father Casey died nearly 60 years ago, but his work is documented in books.
"There are books with hundreds of miracles that have been attributed to Solanus's intersession. I think for me it was just his simple life. He just welcomed people with love," said Father Luke Strand
They said you have to be good to sell out a stadium.
This weekend's mass will be held at Ford Field, reportedly to a sell out crowd.
