The body of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster has now become the center of attention in Missouri, know her biography
When Benedictine Sisters of Mary, exhumed the body of foundress Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster on the 18th of May, they found it in an unexpected way. After four years of her death and burial in a simple wooden coffin, the body remained well preserved.
This news quickly spread on social media platforms about the unusual state of remains of the contemplative orderโs African American foundress. Now hundreds of pilgrims are paying a visit to the monastery in rural Missouri.
Questions still remained unanswered about whether an investigation will be taking place for examining her remains or not. In the meantime, several people are waiting to know about this woman. At the age of 70, she founded the order of sisters which is best known for their chart-topping Gregorian chant along with the classic Catholic hymn albums.
Who is Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster, biography, age, family, parents and photo
According to reports, the body of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster, the founder of Benedictine Sisters of Mary, Queen of the Apostles has been found incorrupt in Missouri four years after her death. pic.twitter.com/W4RLbx3sYR
— Sachin Jose (@Sachinettiyil) May 22, 2023
Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster was the second of five kids born to her parents in a Catholic family. She hailed from St. Louis on Palm. She was born on the 13th of April in 1924. Mary Elizabeth Lancaster took this name Wilhelmina when she made her vows and she was brought up in a deeply pious home.
As per current abbess, Mother Cecilia Snell, OSB, told in a biography which was published by her community, future Sister Wilhelmina had a mystical experience at first Communion. At that time she was just 9 years old when Jesus invited her.
โShe saw something of Jesus at first Communion. Not clearly, but she told me that he was so handsome,โ Abbess said.
Abbess revealed that Jesus asked the sister to be his. To which the sister agreed.
After experiencing this, when she was 13 years old, her parish priest asked her if she ever considered becoming a sister. But she was shifted by the idea and wrote to Oblate Sisters of Providence in Baltimore seeking for permission to join, โbut she was too young at that time, she waited for a little longer.โ
The letter revealed enduring faithfulness and that she would die after living 75 years under religious vows.
Lancaster died on May 29, 2019, and was buried by hand on the ground of the convent and her body was exhumed in April to make way for the addition of a St. Joseph shrine, according to a statement from the religious order.