The Purpose of the Prizes: These essay prizes are part of a larger effort to stimulate fresh interest in and study of this unique “American Blessed.”

The awards:

1st place: $2500

2nd place: $1000

3rd place: $500

Eligibility:

The competition is open to any graduate student in any discipline enrolled in an accredited college or university in the United States.

Criteria for evaluating submissions:

• Length: The length should be between 2000 and 6000 words (including footnotes).
• Abstract: An abstract (100-150 words) should accompany the submission.
• Previously unpublished: only unpublished submissions will be accepted.
• Innovative: The essay is expected to break new ground and not simply repeat established information.
• Grounded in the primary sources and conversant with important secondary sources:
• All of the writings of Solanus plus an extensive index of those writings and a working bibliography on him are available on-line (Solanuscasey.org). These should be a key source for the essays. Also posted there is the 2025 winning essay.
• Crafted with clarity of expression and pastoral accessibility: While demonstrating competent scholarship, the essays should be accessible to a wide readership (Michael Crosby’s Thank God Ahead of Time [Chicago: Franciscan Herald Press, 1985] is a model here).
• Relevant to the current situation: Essays should demonstrate the contemporary significance of some or multiple aspects of Solanus Casey to U.S. society and/or Christianity in the U.S.

See attached for further details.