In a small Missouri town, a monastery has become a pilgrimage site for hundreds of tourists who are flocking to witness the exhumed body of a Catholic nun that has remained remarkably intact almost four years after her death, as reported by The Guardian.
Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster, the founder of the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles order, passed away on May 29, 2019, at the age of 95. She was laid to rest in a simple wooden coffin. However, on May 18, 2023, her body was exhumed in preparation for its transfer to the monastery chapel, a customary practice for founders.
To their astonishment, upon opening the coffin, the sisters discovered that Sister Wilhelmina’s body showed no signs of decay. Though covered in a layer of mold due to dampness, her body remained relatively intact over four years.
The sisters had expected to find only bones, as Sister Wilhelmina had been buried without embalming in a basic wooden casket. The cemetery personnel had given them this expectation. However, her body defied these assumptions. While the dirt that had fallen on her caused some distortion of her facial features, particularly the right eye, a wax mask was placed over it. Remarkably, her eyelashes, hair, eyebrows, nose, and lips were all intact, with her mouth even appearing to hold a slight smile.
Within Catholicism, a body that resists decomposition after death is considered incorruptible, serving as a testament to the truth of the resurrection of the body and eternal life, as stated by the Catholic News Agency.
News of this extraordinary preservation spread rapidly, leading people to flock to the nunnery to catch a glimpse of the remains. Many have dubbed it the “miracle of Missouri.” A sign placed near the body requests visitors to be gentle when touching Sister Wilhelmina’s body, especially her feet.
Responding to the widespread interest and inquiries, the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph released a statement acknowledging the significance of the condition of Sister Wilhelmina’s remains. The diocese emphasized the need to preserve the integrity of her body and announced plans for a thorough investigation. Bishop James Johnston invited the faithful to continue praying during this investigation, seeking guidance from God.
Experts have noted that while rare due to the infrequency of exhumations, it is not uncommon for bodies to remain well-preserved in the first few years after death. Nicholas V Passalacqua, Associate Professor and Director of Forensic Anthropology at Western Carolina University, explained that several well-preserved human remains exist, including intentionally preserved mummies and naturally preserved bodies like the Bog Bodies of Europe. Favorable environmental conditions, such as low oxygen levels hindering bacterial growth and scavenger access, can contribute to long-term preservation.
The exhumed body of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster will remain on display until May 29, following which it will be encased in glass within the chapel. As visitors continue to flock to witness this extraordinary occurrence, the “miracle of Missouri” serves as a testament to the profound impact of faith and the enduring fascination with the mysteries of life and death.