Since her passing in 2019, Sister Wilhemina Lancaster, a Catholic nun from a rural Missouri hamlet, has attracted thousands of visitors. What astonishes many is that her body has shown remarkably little degradation since her death.
Sister Wilhemina, who belonged to the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles Monastery, was interred in a wooden casket without embalming. When her remains were moved to the chapel, the sisters were astonished to find that her body was almost entirely undamaged, with the exception of mildew that had developed due to a break in the casket.
Catholic tradition has the concept of “incorruptible saints” whose bodies exhibit little to no evidence of deterioration even years after death. It’s believed to represent a connection to Christ and the afterlife. Over a hundred instances of incorruptible bodies have received canonization or beatification.
Sister Wilhemina’s well-preserved remains, along with her clothing and personal items, have led to widespread interest and discussions about miracles. Thousands of people have visited to pay their respects.
While some consider it a miracle, others may contest it. It remains a topic of debate and wonder.
