A powerful pilgrimage touched the hearts of Lasallians, including a number of Lasallian Volunteers (LVs), as they more deeply connected with the story of Brother James Miller, FSC, a Wisconsin-born De La Salle Christian Brother who was shot and killed February 13, 1982, while serving in Huehuetenango, Guatemala. In November 2018, Pope Francis approved a decree recognizing that Brother James died as a martyr. Brother James will be beatified on December 7, 2019, in Huehuetenango.

Ahead of the beatification, the pilgrimage was an opportunity to celebrate the life of Brother James, taking more than 90 LVs, Brothers, former Brothers, Lasallian students and educators, family and friends of Brother James, local community members and others through Wisconsin locations significant to Brother James’ life.

The pilgrimage was organized for the Lasallian Volunteers by Brother Michael Kadow, FSC, Auxiliary Visitor of the Midwest District, and Brother Ed Phelan, FSC, director of Senior Brothers for the District of Eastern North America and a longtime supporter of the LV program. It included a one-day pilgrimage open for others to join on May 29, 2019, from Stevens Point, Wisconsin, where Brother James was a student to Ellis, Wisconsin, where Brother James is buried. The pilgrimage included stops at Pacelli High School, Brother James’ alma mater, Sacred Heart Church in Polonia, Wisconsin, and the farm where he grew up in Ellis, Wisconsin.

Read more from Lasallian Volunteers >

Watch a video from the pilgrimage >

Read a note from Brother Larry Schatz, FSC, Visitor of the Midwest District, regarding Brother James Miller’s beatification details >