The condition of the remains of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster has understandably generated widespread interest and raised important questions. At the same time, it is important to protect the integrity of the mortal remains of Sister Wilhelmina to allow for a thorough investigation. Additionally, many have innocently believed such a discovery is possibly an example of incorruptibility and, by extension, sanctity, but no such determination has been made.
The Church has an established process for determining if someone is a saint worthy of veneration. No such process has yet been initiated on behalf of Sister Wilhelmina. Understandably, many would be driven by faith and devotion to see the mortal remains of Sister Wilhelmina, given the remarkable condition of her body. Until the Church initiates the process for determining sainthood for Sister Wilhelmina, her exhumed remains should not be venerated or treated as relics. Even if engaged with genuine devotion and prayer, those of us workers in the vineyard have a duty to avoid creating confusion. By your words and actions; please discourage visitors from touching Sister Wilhelmina’s remains with their hands or objects.
I invite all the Faithful to continue praying during this time of evaluation and determination for God’s will in the lives of the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles; for all women religious; and all the baptized in our common vocation to holiness, with hope and trust in the Lord.
Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr.
For more information, Click HERE
For a summary of the Canonization process, Click HERE
Recent comments by Pope Francis in the documentary “Francesco” on the topic of civil unions have generated some confusion and concern. In response to this, my office recently received the attached memo from Archbishop Gomez, USCCB President, together with a brief letter from the papal nuncio Archbishop Pierre. The letter indicates that the statements of Pope Francis had been edited and decontextualized. The letter further clarifies that the Holy Father did not intend to suggest a change in the Church’s constant teaching on the nature of marriage. I hope this information may prove helpful to you in discussions with the faithful about the topic of marriage.
Click here for the statement.