Duluth Bishop Opened Sainthood Inquiry for Priest
The Diocese of Duluth has officially initiated the canonization process for missionary priest Joseph Francis Buh.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Catholicism
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Bishop Daniel Felton has opened a formal canonization investigation into the life of Joseph Francis Buh, a missionary priest who served the Diocese of Duluth for 64 years. The Catholic Church has now officially granted Buh the title Servant of God.
Why it matters
The initiation of this investigation begins a multi-step Vatican review process to determine if Buh should be recognized as a saint. His legacy includes building 57 churches in the region and learning local Ojibwe languages.
Born in Slovenia in 1833, Buh moved to Minnesota in 1864 and spent over six decades as a missionary. The path to sainthood involves four distinct steps in the Vatican's review process.
The players
Daniel Felton
He is the current Bishop of the Diocese of Duluth who presided over the swearing-in of the canonization research team.
Joseph Francis Buh
He was a long-term missionary priest in Minnesota who is now recognized by the Catholic Church as a Servant of God.
The details
Bishop Daniel Felton swore in a research team during a Mass to begin gathering historical records and witness testimonies. Known by the Ojibwe community as Masinaigans, Buh remains a central figure in the history of the Diocese of Duluth.
Timeline
1833: Joseph Francis Buh was born in Slovenia.
1864: Joseph Francis Buh moved to Minnesota.
September 22, 2026: Bishop Felton swore in the research team during Mass.
Culture Shift
This investigation reflects the Catholic Church's tradition of examining the historical impacts of its long-serving missionaries. It positions Buh's legacy within the broader efforts of the Diocese of Duluth to honor local religious figures.
Residents in the Diocese of Duluth may see increased public discussion regarding the history of local churches and Buh's missionary work. The ongoing research phase involves the collection of testimony from community members regarding his life and influence.
The takeaway
The formal opening of this inquiry highlights the long-term impact of missionary work on regional development and cultural integration. Readers interested in the process can observe how the church documents the lives of figures who helped shape their local communities.
Further reading
Learn more about local religious history at the Catholicism section.
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