President George Washington became the first president to proclaim a Thanksgiving holiday in response to a joint request by both Houses of Congress. He proclaimed November 26, 1789 as a day of “public thanksgiving and prayer” devoted to “the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be.”

As families gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, it seems appropriate to look to Father Solanus Casey, who was beatified in the Archdiocese of Detroit just a few days ago. Blessed Solanus was well-known for thanking God and urging others to do so. He is probably best known for instructing those who sought his intercession to “thank God in advance” for favors received.

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