Jim Kennard’s miraculous healing of a childhood disease is a testament to Divine intercession.
Jim was born with Perthes disease, which is a rare hip disorder caused by a lack of blood supply to the bone. Consequently, the hip socket deteriorates causing pain and immobility.
Jim’s daughter, Teresa Elowsky, says, “No doctors in the local Detroit or surrounding area had a remedy to address his medical issue. The prognosis would be pain, severe limited mobility and uneven growth of the legs.”
It’s a Miracle!
“Philomena, his mother, was a religious woman and she decided to take her son to see Father Solanus Casey at the Saint Bonaventure Monastery in Detroit as she heard of the healing works he was credited in restoring health to the ill,” offers Jim’s wife Patricia Kennard. “Father Solanus Casey prayed over and blessed Jim and told Philomena to return to her parish priest at Saint Rita’s Church, and he will have the name of a doctor who can treat Jim’s condition.
“The priest was a bit taken aback and did not have a name but sent them to a local school football coach who informed them of a Catholic doctor he used when a player was injured,” says Patricia.
“The doctor put Jim in casts over fourteen months to stabilize the hip socket, but he was told that the deterioration would continue,” explains Teresa. “Miraculously, however, after removing the cast the doctor concluded Jim was cured. There was no evidence of deterioration, and the hip socket appeared well.”
Paying the Graces Forward
Jim’s early medical matters influenced his spiritual outlook and later his commitment to his family. On June 26, 1954, he married Patricia and lovingly fathered eight children who bore him 33 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.
Jim worked at Aulsbrook Furniture Company in Detroit for several years before moving to Hillman in 1955 where he successfully co-owned the first pizzeria north of Bay City, Dave and Jim’s Pizzeria in Alpena, for over 15 years. Active in the Hillman community, Jim served as the boxing and softball coach.
“He never missed church,” his wife shared. “We would attend the 8 a.m. Mass at St. Augustine Church after working a twelve-hour shift at the pizzeria. He worked from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. to service the graveyard customers. After cleaning the pizzeria and driving home, he was just in time for Mass.”
“Jim’s Catholic faith was central and principal to his life and guided his actions,” offers Teresa.
His love and gratitude for Blessed Father Solanus Casey motivated Jim to initiate the construction of a Solanus Casey Center in St. Augustine Church dedicated to this holy Capuchin priest.
“Years ago, the late Father Michael Connor hosted a class on saints,” says Patricia.
“The discussions eventually led to Jim talking about Blessed Solanus Casey and everything he did for him as a child,” continued Patricia. “Much excitement grew from the discussion and with some correspondence between local diocesan administrators and the Vatican, St. Augustine Church received a bone fragment of Blessed Father Solanus Casey that was placed in a reliquary.”
Jim’s failing health in his later years propelled his desire to have a Solanus Casey Center completed at the parish. The family discussed the options with the current Pastor Father James Siler and his support initiated the construction.
“Jim was a remarkable family man,” reflects Father Siler. “He loved his family and life, and his simplistic approach to life embodies the spirit of Blessed Solanus Casey. He instilled his love of the Catholic faith in his family.
“Jim had a heart like Blessed Solanus Casey,” he continues. “His devotion to the Church and influence on the center’s construction is beautiful.”
Celebrating Blessed Solanus Casey
The Solanus Casey Center construction originated in January 2024 and was completed on Easter 2024.
The actual construction was spearheaded by Jim Sr's son James Kennard, Jr., and Roger Marquart, who worked almost daily for three months on the project. Plus, many of Jim Sr.’s children and grandchildren contributed to the construction.
Likewise, Alan Morrison and his two boys were helpful in the construction and bringing the project to fruition.
“Our family has several capable contractors, so Dad wanted the center built at no cost to the parish,” informs James. “Thousands of dollars were donated to complete the Solanus Casey Center.”
The two principal donation contributors were Jim and Pat and their grandson, Chris Kennard. Other funds were donated by family and friends of the family.
“There is such beautiful vibrancy within the parish community with the intercession of Blessed Solanus Casey who is opening hearts with graces to the possibility of further expansion,” shares Father Siler.
Jim’s story, in addition to others in the area who have a connection to Blessed Solanus Casey, has birthed a strong devotion to the humble Capuchin priest.
In this Jubilee Year of Hope, we see in Blessed Solanus Casey an embodied sense of hope. It’s befitting the July 28 Mass, focused on Blessed Solanus Casey, will be part of the diocesan-wide jubilee year celebrations.
“I know Jim would be proud,” says Father Siler.
Jim’s story illuminates the beauty of hope in times of uncertainty. His prognosis as a child was grim and quality and longevity of life were discouraging. Yet, his journey is a reminder to stay faithful, for miracles are real.
“It is Divine providence that Jim passed on Christmas Day 2023 at 91,” ends Father Siler.
Humility manifests in the Incarnation and walking the same humble pilgrimage as Blessed Solanus Casey, Jim now celebrates in the eternal banquet with pride in all that has and will continue to be accomplished at his beloved St. Augustine Church.
Visit the Solanus Casey Center in Hillman
Blessed Solanus Casey was a simple man and a simple priest. As a Capuchin father, he ministered for 53 years to the poor, the sick and the troubled souls in New York, Indiana and Detroit, Mich.
Father Solanus Casey said: “I have two loves: the sick and the poor.” He believed this encompassed everyone as we are all sick or poor in body, mind or spirit. As the doorman at the monastery, he often was the first to help those who were suffering. In 1929, after the Great Crash, it was Father Solanus Casey who inspired the opening of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit that is still a ministry today. Many of the sick were not only comforted by his prayers but experienced a healing, a healing they attribute to the intercession of Blessed Solanus Casey.
A St. Augustine parishioner Jim Kennard, who received intercessory healing from Father Solanus Casey, asked his family to build a Solanus Casey Center at St. Augustine in Hillman. And so they did.
The center’s construction began in January 2024 and was completed on Easter 2024. This space is dedicated to the memory and spirituality of Blessed Solanus Casey. The Hillman Solanus Casey Center houses a first-class relic, a hand-carved statue of Blessed Solanus Casey, a biographical hallway and an outdoor Way of the Cross path.
All are welcome to pray and learn more about Blessed Solanus Casey in the Solanus Casey Center located in St. Augustine Church 24138 Veterans Memorial Highway in Hillman. The center is open Saturday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
