Local Man Considered For Sainthood

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Posted: 7:43 PM Nov 29, 2009 Local Man Considered For Sainthood A man who grew up in Central Wisconsin is being considered for sainthood. Reporter: Ben Zblewski Email Address: bzblewski@wsaw.com

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A man who grew up in Central Wisconsin is being considered for sainthood. Brother James Miller of Ellis, which is east of Stevens Point, was murdered while doing mission work nearly 20 years ago.

For his entire life, Brother Miller knew he wanted to help those less fortunate, so at the age of 15 he became a member of the Christian Brothers. The Catholic order promotes mission work around the world, building things like schools and fire departments for the needy.

"He really liked the poor. That was his main objective was to help the poor. That's what he was down there for," said Miller's younger brother Ralph Miller of Ellis.

Miller traveled to Guatemala where he taught at a school for the local people, but in February of 1982, the man whose life was dedicated to others, was cut short.

Miller's brother Bill said, "he was repairing a wall at the school when masked gunmen mowed him down I guess."

More than 15 years after his death, Miller's sacrifice is not being forgotten. A bishop from Guatemala is encouraging the Catholic Church to begin the canonization process for Miller, declaring him a saint.

Miller's family says there are four stages to become a saint, but Brother Miller may be able to skip one of them, if Rome considers him a martyr.

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