A Michigan teenager experienced the disappearance of tumors after prayers to Blessed Solanus Casey. The family, seeking a miracle, organized a novena and prayed at Casey's tomb. Scans later revealed the tumors had vanished, leading doctors to declare the teen cancer-free. This event has sparked discussions about a potential miracle attributed to Blessed Solanus Casey, a Capuchin friar known for his healing ministry.
30 days ago
In April 2024, Mary Bartold, a 16-year-old, experienced severe abdominal pain, leading to the discovery of two tumors on her ovaries 1. A CT scan and ultrasound revealed one tumor measuring 7.3 centimeters and another measuring 1.5 centimeters 1. Understandably, Mary and her parents were concerned about the potential impact on her health and future fertility 1.
The Bartold family, devout Catholics, sought medical advice from Catholic physicians at the University of Michigan Health 1. As the scheduled surgery approached, Mary's parents, Susan and Rick, made a pilgrimage to Blessed Solanus Casey’s tomb in Detroit to pray for their daughter's healing 1. Susan organized a novena to Blessed Solanus Casey, involving family, friends, and their church community in the prayer effort 1.
On July 30, 2024, prior to the scheduled surgery, Mary underwent a pre-surgery MRI scan 1. The following day, doctors informed the Bartolds that the surgery was canceled as there was no sign of the tumors 1. Multiple radiologists and doctors confirmed the disappearance of the masses 1. Follow-up scans over the next six months continued to show no evidence of the tumors 1.
The Bartold family submitted documentation of Mary's case to the Solanus Casey Center 1. The center may consider the case as a potential miracle to support Casey's path to sainthood 1. Pope Francis recognized a previous miracle attributed to Casey in 2017, and another recognized miracle could lead to his canonization 1. Mary stated she would be honored if her story contributed to Casey becoming a saint 1.
The Catholic Church views miracles as signs of God's intervention in the world, confirming the holiness of individuals and serving as divine confirmation of their virtuous lives . Miracles are considered integral to the canonization process, demonstrating that the Servant of God is in communion with God in Heaven . The Church approaches claims of miracles with careful scrutiny, involving both scientific and theological expertise to discern their authenticity .
The news article describes the case of Mary Bartold, a teenager whose tumors vanished after prayers to Blessed Solanus Casey. The key elements that the Church would consider in investigating this claim are:
The process for investigating alleged miracles involves several steps :
The Church's examination of claims of miraculous intercession is a rigorous process involving medical, scientific, and theological evaluation. The case of Mary Bartold, with its medical documentation and connection to prayers to Blessed Solanus Casey, represents the type of claim the Church carefully investigates to discern potential miracles in the process of canonization.