Over three days in June, Holy Cross Brother Phil Smith visited the Diocese of St. Cloud to share the inspiring story of Holy Cross Brother Columba O’Neill, whose cause for sainthood is underway. Brother Phil, a confrere of Holy Cross Bishop Patrick Neary, traveled extensively to promote Brother Columba’s legacy.
“When Brother Philip sent me a file of materials last year about Brother Columba O’Neill, it was a source of revelation, joy and inspiration,” said Bishop Neary. “I’ve always been most attracted to humble people of faith who have had to deal with some type of adversity, hardship or serious weakness in their lives. So often the Lord chooses the meek and the lowly to accomplish great things.”
A picture of Brother Columba now hangs in Bishop Neary’s chapel.
“He has inspired in me a new devotion to the Sacred Heart. I keep a list of names of people that most need God’s healing touch, and I touch an image of the Sacred Heart to each name as I offer the special prayer that Brother Columba asked people to pray. I also ask him for his intercession for healing. I hope to foster devotion to him in the Diocese of St. Cloud and will rejoice when at last he is declared a saint of the Church.”
The events, held at Sacred Heart in Sauk Rapids, Sacred Heart in Freeport and Mary of the Visitation in Becker, drew attendees eager to learn about the “Miracle Man of Notre Dame.” Brother Columba, a shoemaker at the University of Notre Dame for nearly 50 years, was known for his devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the thousands who sought his prayers.
Carol Mueller, a parishioner at Sacred Heart Parish in Sauk Rapids, attended the June 10 presentation.
“The process was so interesting to learn about,” she said. “Brother Phil knew his material well. What I liked best was that he said it is the small things that we do with great love that help us to become saints.”
Brother Phil’s presentations captivated audiences, sharing stories of Brother Columba’s miraculous healings and the vast collection of letters documenting his intercession — many housed in the Midwest Province Archives. Attendees were encouraged to reflect on his legacy, especially as the Church prepares for the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 27.
“I am very thankful that Bishop Patrick invited me to come to the Diocese of St. Cloud and provide information to his parishes and religious about Brother Columba. Everyone has been very welcoming,” Brother Phil said.
Brother Columba’s cause for canonization, begun in 2020, continues to gain momentum, reminding the faithful of the power of intercessory prayer and humble service. Those interested in following his journey toward sainthood can visit brothercolumba.com.
“My hope is that persons with whom I have shared the life of Brother Columba will continue to spread the word about his holiness and pray for his potential canonization,” Brother Phil said.
Pictured above: Holy Cross Brother Phil Smith talks to diocesan staff during a “Learning over Lunch” event June 12. (Dianne Towalski / The Central Minnesota Catholic)
