Once Were Brothers

Solanus Casey might very well become the first America born male Saint. He was a beloved Capuchin Friar who many believe had the ability to heal the sick and prophesize the future. Stories abound of how Solanus' prayers made miracles happen. He was a role model for his time and continues to be so for people today, which is why he has become a candidate for Sainthood. Solanus Casey was born in 1870 on a Wisconsin farm to Irish immigrant parents. He had a very religious upbringing, along with 15 brothers and sisters, two of whom died during the Diphtheria Epidemic. Solanus faced such tragedies as these, by turning to God for strength and guidance. In fact, his encounter with a fatal stabbing, solidified his desire to become a Priest. He struggled through years of religious studies and was eventually ordained a Simplex Priest and assigned the job of Porter. Many believe his lowly position as the Doorkeeper of the Monastery was providential, as it brought him into closer contact with the people, especially the poor and sick. In 1924, he became the Porter of St. Bonaventure in Detroit, where his reputation as the "Peoples Priest" and the "Holy Priest" only increased. During the Great Depression, his concern for the poor inspired the Detroit Capuchins to establish their first Soup Kitchen. His prayers and counsel helped sustain many families during the Polio Epidemic and WWII. Solanus knew when someone would live or die. And he helped people accept the Will of God regardless of the outcome and to have a "happy death." Father Solanus died in 1957 at the age of 86, and his body is entombed in the Monastery at St. Bonaventure. The Solanus Casey Center was built in 2002 as a Pilgrimage Center for all faiths to learn about the living legacy of Father Solanus. And also to bear witness to the miraculous healings that continue to take place today in his name.

The film is a study of the life and works of Wanda Dynowska, a Polish theosophist, writer and social worker. After supporting her own nation's freedom struggle until it attained independence in 1918, she travelled to India in 1935. Here, she would go on to support three more nationalist causes: the Indian Freedom Movement, the Polish Resistance against Nazi occupation, and the Tibetan Government in exile after Chinese occupation. She was also a prolific writer and translator, including among her many works a six-volume "Indian Anthology". A close associate of several spiritual leaders, such as Bishop Karol Wojtyla (later Pope John Paul II), the Dalai Lama and Mahatma Gandhi. The Tibetans would call her Tenzin Chodon (the Keeper of the Faith), and Gandhi would name her Umadevi (the Bearer of Light). She made India her home until her death in 1971, only travelling home to Poland twice in the interim. Her last rites were delivered by a Polish Catholic priest, and her funeral was held in the Tibetan custom. Yet, today, she is virtually unknown in the country she chose to make her home. Her grave in the Tibetan enclave in Mysore bears her three names, the only marker of a great soul who gave all and more in service to humanity. Umadevi's was a life worthy of recognition and celebration. Her lifelong struggle in the service of her fellow man, her devotion to the ideal of spiritual unity and the essential freedom of all people are lessons that we all can aspire to.

Don McCune may be most fondly remembered by fans in the Pacific Northwest as "Captain Puget," which ran on KOMO television. McCune was also known for hosting "Exploration Northwest," which was a series of half-hour outdoor adventures filmed throughout the northwest. For 21 years, McCune told stories about fishing, hunting, camping, sports, Native American history, sailing, horseback riding and more. When the show ended in 1981, McCune had earned 26 Emmy awards and still remains to be a treasure of local television history today.