Hundreds of people flocked to the town near Kansas City to view the body of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster, dubbed by many as the “Missouri Miracle.”
At the age of 70, Lancaster founded the Mary, Queen of the Apostles Benedictine sisters. The nurse died in May 2019 at the age of 95. On May 18, the Benedictine nuns dug up the coffin of their foundress to place it under the altar in the chapel of the monastery, as is their custom.
The members of the order expected to find only bones, but they were very surprised when they exhumed the body. When the nurses fully opened the casket, they were shocked to discover Lancaster’s body, which showed almost no signs of decomposition.
The nuns said that the dirt that had fallen into the coffin had obscured his features, but his body was completely intact, which seemed a little damp. Afterward, the nuns then lifted Lancaster’s body, which they estimated weighed 90 pounds.
The Roman Catholic Church has documented hundreds of cases of incorruptible bodies over the centuries. It is believed that a preserved body, free of natural decay processes, is a sign of holiness, but it does not necessarily make the person holy. However, the nuns are sure that God has a hand in the matter.
And devout Catholics traveled in droves to Gower to view Sister Wilhelmina’s body. James Johnston of the Kansas City-St. The bishop of Joseph Diocese issued a statement regarding the inexplicable events in Gower, writes the New York Post.
The condition of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster’s remains has understandably generated widespread interest and raised important questions. However, it is important to protect the integrity of Sister Wilhelmina’s remains to allow for a thorough investigation
he declared.
Lancaster’s body will be on display in Gower Chapel until May 29, after which it will be placed in a glass case for protection.
