So, it is going to take a miracle?
That is just part of what is required to have someone officially recognized as holy in the Roman Catholic Church.
If you’ve spent time in school, you have written a research paper. The assignment teaches the student how to gather evidence, evaluate sources, and set out a logical argument. Since 2002, Brother Rodolfo Cosimo Meoli, FSC has essentially written research papers. He has conducted accurate investigations, provides analysis, and made a case for the holiness of Lasallians to the special Vatican tribunal. He has done it with style and in elegant and cordial language.
Recently, students enrolled in Lewis University’s Lasallian Universities Center for Education (LUCE) visited the “General Postulation” office. This is the office at the Generalate, or Motherhouse, of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, that puts forth the nomination for an individual to be officially recognized as a “Servant of God.” Traditionally, this requires the verification of one or more miracles through the intercession of the individual as well as recognition of their holiness and virtue.
Br. Rodolfo, an Italian, addressed the group in English. He talked about the work of his office and showed examples of reliquaries of Christian Brothers who have been officially declared holy. Much to the wonder of the students, the well-spoken brother displayed relics, often bone fragments or items owned by a recognized individual. In his scope of work, he also works with artists to develop an official image of the individual.
Br. Rodolfo talked to the students about Br. James Miller, born in Stevens Point, WI, and became a missionary. He was shot on February 13, 1982, while making a repair at the school where he worked with other brothers in Huehuetenango, Guatemala. He was 37 years old when he was killed. He was declared a martyr, and Pope Francis beatified him on December 7, 2019. Br. Rodolfo offered small reliquaries to the students that contained a fragment of a robe worn by Br. James Miller.
“I just learned that Br. Rodolfo has retired. He has always graciously greeted me, and made himself available to our students. Being from the Midwest, his work on submitting the materials on Br. James Miller was particularly significant. In fact, Lewis University just improved the James Miller Chapel on campus,” said Dennis H. Cremin, Professor of History and Academic Director for 2023 for the LUCE program.
The interesting and important work of Br. Rodolfo will go on. In fact, there continues to be efforts to officially elevate Br. James Miller to sainthood. While all Christians can be called saints, these individuals are particularly worthy of imitation because they have lived virtuous lives for others.
This is a place of dignity and respect, I want go to here!