By Chris Swain
It was humbling and inspiring for me to travel to Custer, Wisconsin, for the feast of Blessed James Miller, Feb. 13, and join a community who has a special devotion to him.
His lived experience and example speak to my life personally, professionally and spiritually. As with all the saints, we are invited to look to their lives in ways that resonate with our own. Blessed James offers this to me. The authenticity of his presence, demonstration of his convictions and values in the way he lived, and his response to the needs in front of him from a sense of deep respect and dignity are places in his story I find purpose and meaning.
Brother James was martyred on Feb. 13, 1982, in Huehuetenango, Guatemala, while repairing a school wall at Casa Indígena, where he taught indigenous students. Throughout his missionary service he demonstrated great devotion and commitment to the underprivileged and worked for social change.
Father Alan Guanella, pastor of Our Lady Queen of Heaven in Wisconsin Rapids, offered these words during the day’s prayer service: “In a world that denies the dignity of the human person, obtain for us from Divine Providence an ever-increasing love of God and our neighbor, especially the poor and oppressed. Obtain for us the grace and strength to be a witness to Christ’s love to all.”
Being able to share in commemorating with the universal Church on Blessed James’ feast day was a graced experience in my own growing devotion. I was moved by the powerful witness and devotion of the local faithful to Brother James and how they continue to hold up and remember his life and martyrdom.
To see and pray by the final resting place of Brother James brought his story to life in a tangible way. Visiting St. Martin’s Church Cemetery — which is adjacent to the Miller family farm where his brothers still live — reminded me that this holy individual existed and has family and friends who miss him dearly. Brother James offered an ordinary and daily example of living his vocation fully and faithfully. He is buried next to his parents and relatives in a simple plot marked by some flowers and a small sign inscribed, “Blessed James Miller, Missionary & Martyr, Pray for Us.”
The prayer service was led by Father Alan Guanella and Brother Larry Schatz, FSC, vocation director of the Christian Brothers’ Midwest District.
“His story, convictions and deep faith now as much as ever offer us a relatable example. In this moment, in our current times, he is one we can look to and invoke his intercession for our personal needs and the needs of our world,” said Father Guanella.
It was powerful to see nearly 50 people gathered, including members of the Miller family, Pacelli High School (which Brother James attended) staff, Brothers, former classmates and friends, as well as others from the local community choose to join in prayer outside at dusk on a day with temperatures well below freezing.
The prayer service offered me a subtle reminder that this community is living out Brother James’ values — showing up, accompanying others and showing respect and dignity to all.
After the prayer service, a reception was hosted at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Custer. The parish, with the leadership of a few parishioners, showcased a beautiful series of enlarged photos that displayed scenes of Brother James’ upbringing, as well as images from his cause and beatification in December 2019 in Huehuetenango.
Brother Larry thanked those attending the reception and prayer service and asked the group to continue to invoke Blessed James in intercession for their needs. Blessed James needs one Vatican-approved miracle for his cause to proceed.
The prayer service and gathering offered those who participated a tangible reminder of the life of an individual who in small, yet powerful ways impacted the world around him. He continues to inspire us.
Blessed James Miller… Pray for Us.
Live Jesus in Our Hearts… Forever.
Chris Swain is director of the Office of Lasallian Vocation Ministry at Christian Brothers Conference.