Benedictine nun from Minnesota advances in process towards sainthood
Sister Annella Zervas, a devout Benedictine nun from St. Joseph, Minnesota, will see her beatification cause officially commence on October 9. The announcement was made by Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens on Aug. 20.
Born in 1900, Sister Annella entered the Benedictine convent in St. Joseph at the tender age of 15, in 1915. After her final vows in 1922, she was assigned to teach music and serve as an organist in Bismarck, North Dakota.
Sister Annella's life took a turn when she developed a terrible skin condition that ravaged her body. Despite the severe physical suffering, her mental faculties remained intact. Reports of cures attributed to her intercession began to circulate shortly after her death.
Sister Annella passed away on the vigil of the Assumption, Aug. 14, 1926, at the age of 26. During her final days, she reportedly said, "Yes, Lord, send me more pain, but give me strength to bear it."
The pus-like discharge from her skin disease had a sharp, biting, and decayed odor. Remarkably, Sister Annella's body exfoliated between a pint and a quart a day of skin.
Local devotion to Sister Annella persisted for decades but waned in the second half of the 20th century. However, this reverence was revived in 2010. Today, she is recognised as the first candidate for beatification from the Diocese of Crookston.
The opening Mass of the cause's diocesan phase will be held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston. The diocesan phase will include consideration of any "favors" or miracles attributed to her intercession.
The effort to advance Sister Annella's cause is led by canon lawyers Amanda Zurface and Msgr. David Baumgartner. Once the "positio" is completed, it will be sent to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints for review. If approved, Sister Annella may be referred to as a "servant of God" during this process.
The opening session of the cause's canonical investigation will be held following the Oct. 9 Mass. The beatification of Sister Annella Zervas promises to be a significant event in the religious community, honouring a remarkable life of faith and resilience.
