Sister Mary Wilhelmina Lancaster, a nun revered for her spiritual dedication, founded the Benedictine order of the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles, in 1995. After passing away at the age of 95 in 2019, she was buried at the monastery. In 2023, a startling discovery was made when the sisters unearthed her coffin to relocate her remains: her body exhibited minimal signs of decomposition, a condition often referred to as incorruptibility in religious contexts, despite the coffin’s deteriorated state and the absence of embalming.
This remarkable preservation attracted immense attention. Pilgrims and tourists have been flocking to the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles’ church in Gower, Missouri, viewing this as a miraculous sign. The local community, including law enforcement and volunteers, has been managing the influx of visitors, emphasizing the serene and reverent atmosphere surrounding Sister Lancaster’s new resting place in a glass shrine, ensuring no further physical contact to maintain the sanctity and integrity of her remains.
The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph has acknowledged the unusual condition of Sister Lancaster’s remains, prompting discussions and considerations for her potential canonization. The church has emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to understand the phenomenon, noting that while cases of incorruptibility are rare, they are significant in the canonization process. The outcome of this investigation might influence whether Sister Lancaster could be considered for sainthood, especially as the fifth anniversary of her death approaches, marking a significant milestone in the process.
The event has not only bolstered faith within the community but also sparked curiosity and debate among believers and skeptics alike, raising questions about the phenomena of incorruptibility and its implications in modern religious contexts.
