Missouri miracle? Update on the remains of the “incorruptible” Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster
(REGARD: In the video player above, some say they witnessed “a miracle” as the blessed statue traveled through northeast Ohio.)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Bishop of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph released the results of a medical examination and evaluation regarding the remains of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster.
She was described as the African-American founder of the Benedictine Sisters of Mary, Queen of the Apostles.
Sister Lancaster died in May 2019 and was buried within days in a grave on the grounds of the Catholic convent in Gower, Missouri, a small town about an hour north of Kansas City.
She was buried in an open wooden coffin without embalming or any other treatment of her body.
When workers dug up her body for burial at a new location on April 28, 2023, her remains were found to be intact – four years after her burial.
The news made national headlines. People from all over the country come to see the remains.
A team of medical experts was commissioned by the Bishop of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph to conduct an examination and evaluation of the body.
In the final reportIt was found that the condition of Sister Lancaster’s body during examination was remarkable, as no signs of decomposition were apparent. The lining of her coffin had completely decayed, but her clothing and gown showed no signs of decomposition.
According to Bishop James V. Johnston Jr., there is no official protocol in the Catholic Church for determining whether the body of a deceased person is incorruptible. Incorruptibility is not considered a sign of canonization. There are currently no plans to initiate a beatification process for Sister Lancaster.
“The condition of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster’s remains has understandably aroused great interest and raised important questions. I pray that Sister Wilhelmina’s story continues to open hearts to love for Our Lord and Our Lady,” said Bishop Johnston.