Pope Francis approves beatification of St. Mary’s University of Minnesota alumnus

Pope Francis has approved a decree recognizing an alumnus of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota as a martyr. On February 13th, 1982, Brother James Miller was repairing a wall at the school where he worked in Guatemala when three men fatally shot him. It’s suspected Brother Miller was killed because he and other Brothers fought to keep their young students from being forced into the military. The Pope’s action clears the way for the beatification of Brother Miller. Saint Mary’s President, Father James Burns says although they continue to mourn Brother Miller’s death, “we honor his life and celebrate his mission to improve the lives of so many.”