Beatification of Brother James Miller
3 December 2019
“Only on ardent zeal for the salvation of the young con be sufficient reason to decide to sacrifice and spend your life for their education. The life of grace that they will live on earth will be a prelude to that which for them and for you will be perpetuated in glory.
(MR 2AL3,21. )
Dear Brothers and Lasallians,
The beatification of Brother James
Miller is a cause of great joy far the Brothers, Partners, Students and all members of the Lasallian Family. As
we reflect on Brother James’ Iife and ministry, let us consciously contemplate
the light of Christ and redouble our efforts to share the Good News with all
whom we encounter.
Brother James (1944-1982) was martyred on February 13, 1982 in Huehuetenango, Guatemala, where he will be beatified on 7
December. His murder was a futile attempt to extinguish the light of Christ and
calls us to remember those countless others – catechists, farmer s, church workers – whose lives were cut
short because they strove to awaken people to the inherent dignity of God’s
daughters and sons.
Brother James was committed to the well-being of the young people entrusted to his care, especially indigenous s young men at risk.
“They…respected him as a hard worker who led by example more than word. But above all he shared a common denominator with the poor rural Indians… Like them, he was a farmer who loved the land”.
Joslin, Paul, FSC in “Martyrs of Hope: Seven lJ.S. Missioners in Centrol America”.
Donna Whitson Brett and Edward T. Brett, Orbis Books, New York, 2018, p. 60.
Brother James’ beatification is evidence that great things are possible through the ordinary activities of our ministry of human and Christian education. Brother James’ martyrdom calls us to witness to the Reign of God and, like so many others past and present, share the light of Christ no matter the cost.
Let us give thanks to God far Brother James’
Iife and ministry and pray that the Holy Spirit will
fill each one of
us with ardent zeal for the wellbeing
of all who experience the light of Christ in our Lasallian educational communities.
Fraternally,
Brother Robert Schieler, FSC
Brother Superior
