Blessed James Alfred Miller

Biography

Blessed James Alfred Miller, also known as Leo William or Santiago, was a dedicated member of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, more commonly known as the De La Salle Brothers. Born on 21 September 1944 in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, he exhibited a deep devotion to his faith and a strong commitment to education from an early age.

After completing his studies, Brother James Alfred Miller joined the De La Salle Brothers and began his teaching career at a high school in Saint Paul, Minnesota. He was known for his exceptional knowledge and skill in construction, which he used to enhance the educational environment for his students. In addition to teaching Spanish, English, and religion, he also took on the role of a football coach.

In 1969, Brother James answered the call to serve as a missionary teacher and was assigned to teach in Nicaragua. His time there was marked by unwavering dedication to his students and the local community. He not only taught various subjects but also took on the responsibility of supervising the construction of ten new schools, thereby ensuring access to education for many children in the region.

As the political situation in Nicaragua deteriorated during the Sandinista Revolution, Brother James recognized the dangers and returned to Minnesota in 1978. However, his commitment to the missionary work did not wane, and in 1981, he volunteered to serve as a missionary and teacher in Guatemala. He was sent to the municipality of Huehuetenango, where he continued his mission of providing education, hope, and support to the impoverished and marginalized communities in the region.

Tragically, on 13 February 1982, Brother James Alfred Miller was brutally murdered while repairing a school wall. Three masked men, suspected to be part of the Guatemalan military intelligence death squad known as G-2, gunned him down. His martyrdom underlines the depths of his commitment to his faith and his selfless dedication to the betterment of others.

Blessed James Alfred Miller's exemplary life of service and sacrifice did not go unnoticed. On 7 November 2018, Pope Francis recognized his martyrdom, and on 7 December 2019, he was beatified by Pope Francis. The beatification ceremony was held at the Sports Complex of Colegio La Salle in Huehuetenango, Guatemala, with Cardinal José Luis Lacunza Maestrojuán serving as the chief celebrant.

Blessed James Alfred Miller's memory continues to inspire countless individuals, particularly those engaged in educational and missionary work. His life serves as a testament to the transformative power of education and the unwavering commitment to the service of others.