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