Here is the link where you can listen to the Monsignor Buh Story referred to in this article.
https://thenortherncross.org/honoring-legacy-0
Dec 1, 2025 | By Father Richard Kunst
Honoring a Legacy
A sacred milestone began with the translation of Msgr. Buh’s remains and the Diocese of Duluth’s first steps toward exploring his cause for sainthood.
On June 9, 2025, a special Mass of “translation” was celebrated by Bishop Daniel Felton, joined by priests, deacons and hundreds of faithful from the Diocese of Duluth. The day began with the formal sealing of the casket containing the remains of Msgr. Joseph Buh, followed by a brief prayer service at the diocesan Pastoral Center, which took place in front of the display cases housing Msgr. Buh’s personal effects.
A solemn procession then followed, with clergy and faithful walking from the Pastoral Center to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary, accompanied by the chanting of the Litany of Saints. At the conclusion of the Mass, Msgr. Buh’s remains were placed in a vault now located on the St. Joseph side altar at the cathedral, where the faithful may come to pray at his tomb.
While the relocation of Msgr. Buh’s remains was not directly tied to a formal cause for beatification, it reflects his widely recognized role as the patriarch of the Diocese of Duluth. He was instrumental in the founding of approximately 57 parishes across the region.
At a recent gathering of bishops from North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota, Bishop Felton introduced the possibility of formally opening a cause for Msgr. Buh’s canonization and received support from these bishops to move forward with the cause. This marks an initial step toward gaining the regional support necessary for presenting the cause to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. A date for that presentation has not yet been set.
To guide this early phase, Bishop Felton has formed a small committee. This committee will remain in place to serve as the primary promoter of Msgr. Buh’s story and to coordinate fundraising efforts for the cause. Depending on future developments, a formal guild may be established. The committee or guild will oversee newsletters, membership drives, and events designed to raise awareness of Msgr. Buh’s life and virtues.
Amanda Zurface, JCL, has been appointed as the diocesan postulator. With an episcopal delegate, the postulator will guide the diocesan phase of the canonization process, formally overseeing the Church’s judicial procedures. This includes gathering and presenting evidence of holiness and heroic virtue, managing finances related to the cause, and representing the petitioner before Church authorities—including, at the appropriate time, the Vatican. Together, they will also oversee the collection of testimonies and any potential reports of miracles.
Timeline Toward Canonization of Msgr. Joseph Buh
Completed Steps
June 9, 2025
Mass of Translation and Tomb Placement
at Holy Rosary Cathedral
August 29, 2025
Bishop Felton presented cause idea to
regional bishops and secured their support
Committee Formed
Initial exploration and promotion led by
Father Richard Kunst
November 1, 2025
Postulator appointed: Expert to guide the cause through Church process
Next Steps In The Process
Present to USCCB
Approval needed to officially open the cause
Diocesan Investigation
Collect evidence of holiness and heroic virtue
Vatican Review
Candidate may be declared Servant of God
Declaration of Heroic Virtue
Title of Venerable may be granted
Beatification
Requires one verified miracle > Blessed
Canonization
Requires second verified miracle > Saint
Here is the link where you can listen to information about Vatican Unveiled at MOA
https://thenortherncross.org/vatican-unveiled-coming-mall-america
Dec 1, 2025 | By Northern Cross Staff
Vatican Unveiled Coming to Mall of America
In celebration of the 175th anniversary of the Catholic Church in Minnesota, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis is proud to host Vatican Unveiled, an exhibit showcasing the largest collection of papal artifacts outside of Rome.
Curated by Father Richard Kunst, the exhibit reflects his deep knowledge and passion for sharing the stories behind these remarkable items.
This unique and historical collection will be on display daily at the Mall of America from Jan. 10 to Feb. 1, 2026. Highlights include a document bearing the second-oldest papal signature outside the Vatican and a rare Swiss Guard uniform from the time of Pope Pius X — so rare, in fact, that the Swiss Guard requested to borrow it for their own exhibit.
Spanning 19,000 square feet, the exhibit is open and welcoming to all. Visitors will encounter fascinating historical perspectives, artistic pieces showcasing old-world craftsmanship and papal artifacts that reveal the humanity behind Church leadership.
Here is a link to the WDIO Interview with Father Kunst about the upcoming Vatican Unveiled Event: January 2026 MOA
