Undated (KROC AM News) - A Wisconsin native who graduated from St. Mary’s University in Winona and was later murdered in Guatemala has been recognized as a martyr by Pope Francis.

The Vatican made the announcement about Brother James Miller Thursday.

After graduating from the Catholic college, Miller taught at Cretin High School in St Paul where he also helped coach football. He later worked in Nicaragua and Guatemala. He was 37-years-old when he was shot and killed.

According to a story on the St. Mary’s website. “The recognition of the martyrdom of Brother James clears the way for his beatification; the date and location of the beatification ceremony were not immediately announced. As a martyr, Brother James must have one miracle attributed to him posthumously to reach the next and final step toward official sainthood, which is canonization.”

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