Online Meeting about the Servant of God BrotherMihai Neamțu, OSBM

On Monday, April 27, 2026, the Basilian monks of the Order of Saint Josaphat held their second online meeting. The purpose of these gatherings is to learn more about the holy and faithful lives of their brother monks.

At the beginning, Fr. Illia Bronovskyy briefly recalled the first meeting, which focused on Metropolitan Joseph Veliamyn Rutsky. Then Fr. Ivan Albu, OSBM, Provincial Superior of the Province of Saints Peter and Paul in Romania, spoke about the life and ministry of Brother Mihai Neamțu (1924-2000). Brother Mihai served and was buried in Prilog, Romania, where today there is a church and a Basilian monastery.

Brother Mihai was born into a large family with twelve children. At the age of fourteen, he became ill with paralysis, which made it difficult for him to continue his early formation in the Basilian Order. After returning home, he worked for some time as a tailor. Starting in 1951, he developed a strong interest in herbal medicine, hoping not only to help himself but also to heal others. Later, during the time when the Romanian Greek Catholic Church was forced underground, he was accepted again into the Basilian Order and made his solemn (perpetual) vows on January 1, 1986. His sister Anna also entered religious life in secret, becoming a nun.

People who knew him say that Brother Mihai had a special sensitivity to others. Even by meeting someone briefly or seeing their photo, he could often recognize their illness. Although he used herbal remedies, he never told people to ignore their doctors. Instead, he always stressed the importance of faith in God and prayer. People of different backgrounds – Catholics, members of other churches, and even non-believers – came to him for help.

At times, he would refuse to help someone if he saw that they lacked faith, knowing that without trust in God, healing would not come. Some people even came just to test him, but he recognized this right away. Still, he tried to listen to everyone, offering not only practical help but also kind and encouraging words. Many people found comfort, experienced healing, and grew closer to God through him. Because he himself suffered from poor health, he understood those who were sick and could guide them with compassion and wisdom. Many witnesses have shared stories of his holy and virtuous life.

In 2018, the first stage of his beatification process began, and it was completed in 2021 and sent to Rome. Today, monks in the Province of Saints Peter and Paul pray daily for his official recognition as Blessed, asking God to confirm his holiness through a miracle.

Fr. Ivan Albu’s heartfelt presentation gave everyone a deeper understanding of the beauty of monastic life and the witness of their fellow monks.

Prayer for the Glorification of Brother Mihai Neamțu

Merciful Father, source of all comfort,

You called Brother Mihai to be a sign of Your mercy in the Romanian Greek Catholic Church.

Through his life, he showed us that although we come from nothing, we are called to live forever with Christ.

We ask You, Lord, to grant us healing of soul and body, and to give us the grace we now ask for through his intercession. In Your goodness, may he soon be declared Blessed.

For You are praised by all the heavenly powers, and we give You glory: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

Our Father…

Hail Mary…