By Emily Vogel
I grew up in the 1980s before the canonization of modern giants like Saint John Paul II and Saint Teresa of Kolkata, and before the internet transformed research from card catalogs into instant graphics and videos. When it came time to choose a saint for my confirmation name, my knowledge of the “modern” saints felt limited to Saint Thérèse Lisieux, to whom my grandpa had a great devotion, and Saint Bernadette, whose story aired on TV every year. At the time, I viewed the saints as historical, perhaps even mythical figures – people who lived a level of spirituality and had gifts far beyond the average person. As a child, there was a sense of magical awe about the saints that kept me intrigued, but I wasn’t sure I was interested in that kind of piety for myself!
It wasn’t until high school, when I started to learn about Saint John Baptist De La Salle, that the concept of sainthood became real for me. While my childhood self may have been interested in the “magic” of his life, the specific miracles attributed to his canonization now matter less to me than the 300-year heritage of his life’s work. He ensured children received a human and Christian education – one that pulled them from poverty, drew them closer to God, and inspired them to serve. This global Lasallian legacy is the true miracle, specifically because it continues to empower ordinary people like Blessed James Miller to find their own path to sanctity.
As I learn more about Brother James, my childhood self is in awe that I now know people who once knew a possible (probable!) saint, and my adult self is equally in awe at how “real” he was. In Robert Inchausti’s book “The Ignorant Perfection of Ordinary People,” he uses historical figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. to speak of the extraordinarily ordinary things that people have done to change the world. He explains how these “plebians” found a “third way” between public ministry and private prayer by living out their deepest religious convictions in the middle of everyday social struggles and acts of service. By doing so, they demonstrated that holiness is not an escape from reality, but a way to transform the world from within. They prove that the most radical thing a person can do is to remain committed to their humanity and their faith in the face of modern systems that try to turn people into tools for political agendas. Brother James Miller certainly could have had his own chapter in this book.
This sentiment perfectly captures the spirit of the memorial celebration I attended on Feb. 13, 2026, at Sacred Heart Church in Polonia, Wisconsin. This farming community, where time slows down under big skies and open fields, is holy ground. Just down the road from the church and across the street from his family farm, Brother James was laid to rest after being martyred in Guatemala in 1982 at age 37. His “crime” was that of a teacher who believed that his students deserved the full dignity of an education, rather than the inhumane recruitment to their political war. His “third way” was that of radical commitment to his vocation as a Brother, a big protective brother to the students entrusted to his care.
The day began with a special liturgy presided by Bishop Gerard W. Battersby, whose presence underscored the significance of Brother James Miller not just as a local hero, but as a light for the entire Church. Seated in the front row were Brother James’ siblings, who continue to honor their brother’s memory. The pews were filled with nearly 500 people – a vibrant cross-section of devotees, including approximately 30 priests from the Dioceses of La Crosse and Green Bay, the De La Salle Christian Brothers, the Knights of Columbus, and students from multiple schools including Brother James’ alma maters – Sacred Heart School and Pacelli High School.
As I watched the many young people come through the communion line, I couldn’t help but think of the inspiration they are drawing from Brother James, and the awe that they must feel that he grew up in the same county, potentially have family who knew him, or are even related to him. I couldn’t help but wonder how many of them have heard personal stories, visited his grave, colored pictures to illustrate his life, chose James as their confirmation name, or shared their secret prayers with him. Even beyond this life, Brother James continues his role as big brother.
Following Mass, we gathered in the church community room and were showered with hospitality from the generous volunteers of Sacred Heart parish. The afternoon featured a panel discussion with Brother James’s sister Louise Shafranski; Father Tom Lindner, leader of pilgrimages to his martyrdom site; Father Alan Guanella, judicial vicar and member of the Brother James Miller Speaker’s Guild; and Brother Larry Schatz, FSC, vice postulator for his cause of canonization. Together, they reflected on how Brother James naturally lived out the Lasallian mission with practical perseverance to the many tasks required of running a school in the middle of political warfare. They shared how even with this unimaginable stress on his shoulders, his warm and joyous personality was ever present as he remained faithful to his vocation.
Before departing to the gravesite for a final prayer service, guests mingled about the community space gazing at photographic displays that showcased his life, and receiving special prayer cards and medals to enhance their prayer and devotion. Guests were encouraged to join the Brother James Miller Guild to keep his memory alive and offer witness to his cause for canonization.
It has been an honor to work alongside the Brothers who knew Brother James’, and like any great story, I’m touched by something new each time I hear it. His life and witness remind me to stay true to the ministry of the Gospel, especially when there are profound political divides that cause suffering for the most vulnerable among us. We are not all called to be martyrs, but we are all called to serve the least, the last, and the lost with humility and joy.
On behalf of the Brother James Miller Guild and all who are moved by his witness, we are deeply grateful to the Diocese of La Crosse and Sacred Heart Church for their care in preserving his legacy. We are grateful for the young and old, those who are related to him, those who knew him as Brother and teacher, and those who are just learning his story. As we anticipate his cause for canonization, may we be inspired by his courage to live our lives in service to others in our own corners of the world.