Molly Towne (second from right) at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Photo provided by Susie O. Towne.
SARATOGA SPRINGS – On Saturday, Nov. 18, during a mass at Ford Field in Detroit, the Roman Catholic Church beatified Fr. Solanus Casey, a Franciscan Capuchin friar who died in 1957. The ceremony brought Fr. Casey a step closer to being declared a Saint.
This was a very special occasion for Saratoga Springs native Molly Towne, who was stillborn 33 years ago—it was approximately 30 minutes before Molly had a heartbeat.
Molly's family has always attributed the return of her life to the intercession of Fr. Solanus. Molly was invited to attend the Beatification Mass and participate in the relic procession—a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and one she will never forget.