The Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese has forth an informative summary about Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster’s remains. She was an African American who established the Benedictine Sisters of Mary, Queen of the Apostles. Medical professionals were brought in following the exhumation of her body on April 28, 2023, to assess and determine the state her remains were in. Their discoveries have been considered astounding and sparked nationwide interest.

The Intact Body Is Unearthed

Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster, dead since May 29, 2019, at 95 years old, laid in a plain grave at a remote Gower, Missouri Catholic monastery. There was no embalming process performed before burial in an open wooden box. The reinterment process four years later uncovered something greatly surprising – an intact body with no indications of decay, despite how it had been buried.

News spread fast of this discovery, leading to thousands flocking to the small town to catch a glimpse of what some are calling a “miracle of modern times. ” The intact body fascinated both adherents of the Catholic faith and others with the possibility of Sister Wilhelmina’s being incorrupt – a term from Catholic doctrine referring to bodies that do not break down postmortem.

Examination and Medical Findings

To cater to public inquisitiveness, Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr., from Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese organized a complete examination of Sister Wilhelmina’s remains. Local medical experts led by a pathologist conducted this with assistance from two MDs and a retired county coroner.

The team shared several critical observations:

• Decomposition Absent: The conditions of burial typically lead to body decomposition. However, Sister Wilhelmina’s condition had none.
• Clothing Condition Perfect: The casket’s lining completely disintegrated, yet Sister Wilhelmina’s clothing remained fully intact.
• Normal Soil: Soil tests identified no unusual components that could explain the body preservation.
• Limited Inspection Scope: Due to certain restrictions, a complete examination could not be performed, leaving some queries unanswered.

Bishop Johnston emphasized the unique findings but clarified they don’t mean any official judgment of incorruptibility. He explained further that Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster’s body seems not to have decayed in the expected way considering the conditions of burial.

What Does Incorruptibility Mean?

Incorruptibility is not a recognized term by the Catholic Church, though some individuals’ bodies have demonstrated no post-mortem decomposition. According to Catholic Answers Online, this uncommon phenomenon is seen as divine intervention, comparable to Jesus’ corpse not decaying in the tomb. Although Bishop Johnston cleared that incorruptibility does not prove sainthood. The Catholic Church does not follow any formal rules for classifying a body as incorrupt and there are no active plans to start a cause for Sister Wilhelmina’s sainthood.

A Life of Unyielding Faith and Tradition

The life of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster was molded by her devotion to retaining Catholic Church traditions. After joining the Oblate Sisters of Providence, she subsequently established the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles as a direct response to Second Vatican Council modifications. Her new order espoused contemplative and Marian charism with high priority given to praying for priests and observing traditional practices like Latin Mass and Gregorian chant.

A group statement released by the Benedictines expresses their appreciation for the interest in their founder saying, “Sr. Wilhelmina’s life and death were exceptional pointing the way to the Almighty. Her legacy continues to show His Resurrection and the awaited glory of life.”

Plans for the Future

Sister Wilhelmina’s remains are now visible inside an Abbey church glass case available for public viewing. The Benedictine community expressed willingness to initiate the canonization process at the right time. All are welcome to visit and seek her intercession at present, given testimonials of healings and graces attributed to her prayers.

Even though the Catholic Church might not officially recognize Sister Wilhelmina as incorrupt, her story continues introducing vital questions and providing inspiration. Bishop Johnston empathizes, “Sister Wilhelmina’s story should help open hearts to love for Our Lord and Our Lady.” Sister Wilhelmina’s life and legacy, marked by deep faith and a commitment to tradition, continue to intrigue us with the inexplicable mysteries of faith.