Unexpected Preserved Remains of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster
Bizarre/Strange
Tuesday 3rd, September 2024
Bishop James V. Johnston of the Diocese of Kansas City St. Joseph has released the findings of an investigation into the remarkably well preserved remains of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster, OSB. Sister Wilhelmina, who died on 29 May 2019 at the age of 95, was buried shortly thereafter in a simple, unsealed wooden casket on the grounds of the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles monastery in Gower, Missouri. She was interred without embalming or any other form of preservation.
On 28 April 2023, nearly four years after her burial, Sister Wilhelmina’s body was exhumed as part of a planned relocation of her remains to the Abbey church. To the surprise of those present, her body was found in a state that showed minimal signs of decomposition, despite the conditions under which she was buried.
Following this discovery, Bishop Johnston commissioned a team of local medical experts on 24 May 2023 to examine and evaluate Sister Wilhelmina’s remains. The team, led by a Doctor of Pathology and including two additional doctors and a former Missouri county coroner, conducted a thorough inspection of the body, the casket, and interviewed witnesses who were present at both the burial in 2019 and the exhumation in 2023.
According to the final report, the experts noted that “the condition of her body is highly atypical for the interval of nearly four years since her death, especially given the environmental conditions and the findings in associated objects”. While the lining of Sister Wilhelmina’s casket had completely disintegrated, her clothing, including her religious habit, showed no signs of decay. Additionally, no conditions were reported that would typically protect against decomposition.
Further analysis of the soil where Sister Wilhelmina was buried revealed no unusual elements that could have affected the condition of her remains, according to the report.
“In conclusion, within the limits of what has been observed during this time, the body of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster does not appear to have experienced the decomposition that would have normally been expected under such previous burial conditions”, stated Bishop Johnston.
The bishop emphasised that the Catholic Church does not have an official protocol for recognising incorruptibility, nor is it considered evidence of sainthood. Currently, there are no plans to initiate a cause for sainthood for Sister Wilhelmina.
“The condition of the remains of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster has understandably generated widespread interest and raised important questions. I pray that Sister Wilhelmina’s story continues to open hearts to love for Our Lord and Our Lady”, Bishop Johnston said.
The discovery of Sister Wilhelmina’s preserved body has drawn significant attention from both the Catholic community and the wider public, prompting discussions about the nature of incorruptibility and its spiritual implications. The Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles continue to welcome visitors who wish to pay their respects, while the diocese maintains that no formal steps toward canonisation are underway.
On 28 April 2023, nearly four years after her burial, Sister Wilhelmina’s body was exhumed as part of a planned relocation of her remains to the Abbey church. To the surprise of those present, her body was found in a state that showed minimal signs of decomposition, despite the conditions under which she was buried.
Following this discovery, Bishop Johnston commissioned a team of local medical experts on 24 May 2023 to examine and evaluate Sister Wilhelmina’s remains. The team, led by a Doctor of Pathology and including two additional doctors and a former Missouri county coroner, conducted a thorough inspection of the body, the casket, and interviewed witnesses who were present at both the burial in 2019 and the exhumation in 2023.
According to the final report, the experts noted that “the condition of her body is highly atypical for the interval of nearly four years since her death, especially given the environmental conditions and the findings in associated objects”. While the lining of Sister Wilhelmina’s casket had completely disintegrated, her clothing, including her religious habit, showed no signs of decay. Additionally, no conditions were reported that would typically protect against decomposition.
Further analysis of the soil where Sister Wilhelmina was buried revealed no unusual elements that could have affected the condition of her remains, according to the report.
“In conclusion, within the limits of what has been observed during this time, the body of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster does not appear to have experienced the decomposition that would have normally been expected under such previous burial conditions”, stated Bishop Johnston.
The bishop emphasised that the Catholic Church does not have an official protocol for recognising incorruptibility, nor is it considered evidence of sainthood. Currently, there are no plans to initiate a cause for sainthood for Sister Wilhelmina.
“The condition of the remains of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster has understandably generated widespread interest and raised important questions. I pray that Sister Wilhelmina’s story continues to open hearts to love for Our Lord and Our Lady”, Bishop Johnston said.
The discovery of Sister Wilhelmina’s preserved body has drawn significant attention from both the Catholic community and the wider public, prompting discussions about the nature of incorruptibility and its spiritual implications. The Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles continue to welcome visitors who wish to pay their respects, while the diocese maintains that no formal steps toward canonisation are underway.
