Bishop Investigates Allegedly Incorrupt Body of Nun

To move her remains to lie underneath an altar in the convent's chapel, the body of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster (1924-2019) was exhumed on April 28, just four years after her burial.

It was in good condition, her flower crown and bouquet were dried, the profession candle with the ribbon, her crucifix, and rosary were all intact.

For years, Sister tried to return her first community to the religious habit (below she is pictured in 1957). Aged 70, she left to found the Roman Rite Benedictine Sisters of Mary, Queen of Apostles, in rural Missouri, with the help of the Fraternity of St. Peter.

Since last week, hundreds of pilgrims have come to the convent to see her. Her face is covered with a wax mask. Kansas City Bishop Johnston will now investigate the case (KcsjCatholic.org, May 22).

The nun has not been embalmed, but given favourable external conditions, corpses may not decompose for a long time.

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