Bishop’s May 26 statement regarding Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster

The condition of the remains of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster has understandably generated widespread interest and raised important questions. At the same time, it is important to protect the integrity of the mortal remains of Sister Wilhelmina to allow for a thorough investigation.

The Church has an established process for determining if someone is a saint and worthy of veneration. No such process has yet been initiated on behalf of Sister Wilhelmina. It is understandable that many would be driven by faith and devotion to see the mortal remains of Sister Wilhelmina given the remarkable condition of her body, but visitors should not touch or venerate her body, or treat them as relics.

I invite all the Faithful to continue praying during this time of evaluation and determination for God’s will in the lives of the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles; for all women religious; and all the baptized in our common vocation to holiness, with hope and trust in the Lord.

Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr.

 

Resources:

Path to Sainthood

Catholic Key obituary

Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles

Select media coverage:

Catholic News Agency

Black Catholic Messenger

Aleteia

Pillar Catholic

New York Post

KSHB TV

St. Joseph News Press

Kansas City Star

KMBC TV

KQ2 St. Joseph

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