Prepare to be captivated by an extraordinary tale that has captured the attention of thousands across the nation. In a small, secluded abbey nestled in the heart of Missouri, an astonishing occurrence has unfolded, drawing an ever-growing crowd of curious individuals. Their collective purpose? To catch a glimpse of the exhumed remains of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster, a revered nun whose body has defied the passage of time.
Since the exhumation of Sister Lancaster’s body, an increasing number of Catholics from all corners of the country have embarked on a pilgrimage to the humble town of Gower, Missouri. Situated just forty miles north of the vibrant city of Kansas City, this unassuming abbey has become a place of spiritual pilgrimage for those seeking solace and marvel at the potential sainthood of this remarkable nun.
Sister Lancaster, who departed from this world in May 2019 at the remarkable age of ninety-five, was laid to rest in a solemn grave. Previously, the abbey was accustomed to a modest number of twenty daily visitors. However, in a stunning turn of events, the abbey is now inundated with an overwhelming influx of visitors, with an estimated one thousand individuals arriving each day to witness the miraculous preservation of Sister Lancaster’s remains.
Ashlie Hand, the spokesperson for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, shared her insights on this awe-inspiring phenomenon, stating, “As of Tuesday, they were seeing about 1,000 visitors a day. I think now, it’s probably well above that. The expectation is the crowd will grow over the holiday weekend” (as reported by Fox4).
Such is the magnitude of this captivating event that Hand predicts the abbey will welcome an astounding twenty thousand visitors over the upcoming weekend alone. Individuals from far and wide are converging on this sacred location to bear witness to the miracle of Missouri—an elderly nun whose body has defied the natural cycle of decay despite being interred in the ground for an incredible four years.
Initially, the remains of Sister Lancaster were made available for public viewing. It was a profound experience for many, as individuals were permitted to touch and offer prayers to the venerable nun’s body from the early morning hours until nightfall, fostering a deep spiritual connection between the faithful and the enigmatic phenomenon before them.
However, as the number of visitors multiplied, measures were taken to ensure the preservation of the revered nun’s remains. Sister Lancaster now rests behind a protective glass case, positioned near the altar, where she continues to welcome the ever-increasing horde of devoted followers streaming through the church doors day after day.
Among the throngs of the faithful, there are those who have captured poignant moments with Sister Lancaster during the public viewing. Eager Catholics have taken photographs, proudly sharing them online, depicting the tender gestures of touching the nun’s hands, face, and feet. To further safeguard her delicate visage, the exposed skin has been delicately covered in a layer of wax, meticulously preserving her remains from potential decay.
A sign gently reminds those in attendance, “Please be gentle when touching sister’s body, especially her feet.” Church officials, recognizing the significance of Sister Lancaster’s remarkable condition, are currently scrutinizing her case to assess her eligibility for sainthood. The remarkable phenomenon of incorruptibility, in which the body remains miraculously preserved, has historically been regarded as an indication of sanctity.
Bishop James Johnston of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph issued a statement on May 22, emphasizing the need to “protect the integrity of the mortal remains of Sister Wilhelmina to allow for a thorough investigation.” While the church has yet to declare this extraordinary occurrence as a miracle, Bishop Johnston is diligently working to establish a comprehensive process to understand the nature of Sister Wilhelmina’s preserved remains.
The statement further adds, “Incorruptibility has been verified in the past, but it is very rare. There is a well-established process to pursue the cause for sainthood, but that has not been initiated in this case yet.”
