Description
An uncommon early devotional relic badge honoring Father Solanus Casey, O.F.M. Cap. (1870-1957), the beloved Capuchin priest whose ministry to the poor and sick made him one of the most revered American Catholic figures of the 20th century. Father Solanus was beatified in 2017 and is now known as Blessed Solanus Casey.
This vintage badge is particularly desirable because the reverse specifically identifies the attached fabric as a “Piece of clothing worn by Fr. Solanus.” According to the Father Solanus Guild, the original relic badges contained small pieces cut from Father Solanus Casey’s actual habit and are considered second-class relics. Around 1996-1997, that original fabric was exhausted and subsequent badges were made using cloth touched to his tomb, making those later versions third-class relics.
The badge features a sepia portrait of Father Solanus on the front, surrounded by an individually crocheted border. The reverse bears his famous final words:
“I give my soul to Jesus Christ.”
It also retains the small clothing fragment together with the Vice Postulator O.F.M. Cap. seal, an especially appealing feature connecting the badge with the formal Cause for Canonization.
Notable features include:
* Original-generation second-class Father Solanus Casey relic badge
* Contains a piece explicitly identified as clothing worn by Father Solanus
* Earlier type produced before the supply of his actual habit fabric was exhausted circa 1996-1997
* Vice Postulator O.F.M. Cap. seal on reverse
* Sepia photographic portrait
* Individually crocheted construction with hanging loop
* Father Solanus Casey’s final words printed on reverse
* Predates his 2017 beatification
* Historically important devotional object connected with an influential American Capuchin priest
* Genuine clothing-fragment examples are permanently discontinued and substantially more desirable than the later tomb-touched badges
The Father Solanus Guild confirms that these original badges used fabric from Father Solanus’s actual habit and specifically identifies that material as a second-class relic. The Guild notes that each badge was individually assembled and crocheted by hand.
Very good vintage condition overall with the photograph, reverse printing, crocheted surround, suspension loop, Vice Postulator marking, and small fabric fragment all remaining present. Please view all the photos carefully for the complete condition and details of this historic devotional piece.
