Incorruptibility

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A young man touches a religious statue to the body of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster, OSB, on May 18, 2023, at the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles monastery in Gower, Missouri.

Morticians mystified by Sister Wilhelmina’s body: ‘Something special going on there’

May 26, 2023

By Joe Bukuras, Shannon Mullen

The local bishop, who has contacted Rome, says a “thorough investigation” is needed to answer “important questions.” Read more

A man places his hands on the glass urn holding the remains of St. Pio in Pietrelcina, Italy, in 2016. St. Pio was found to be in a state of partial deterioration and partial preservation when his coffin was opened in 2008, but experts present at the exhumation have said there was no supernatural quality to what was preserved. Artificial preservation techniques have since been applied to conserve his body from further deterioration and a lifelike mask has been placed over his skull.

What is incorruptibility? Here’s what you need to know

May 25, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

According to Catholic tradition, incorruptible saints give witness to the truth of the resurrection of the body and the life... Read more

Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster, whose body was discovered apparently incorrupt, founded the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of the Apostles.

Who was Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster, whose body is now the center of attention in Missouri?

May 24, 2023

By Kelsey Wicks

Who was the woman who at the age of 70 founded the order of sisters best known for their chart-topping... Read more

A pilgrim venerates the incorrupt body of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster, OSB, on May 20, 2023. Lancaster was recently exhumed in Gower, Missouri.

A miracle in Missouri? Body of Benedictine Sisters’ foundress thought to be incorrupt

May 22, 2023

By Kelsey Wicks

Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster, OSB, foundress of the Benedictine Sisters of Mary, Queen of the Apostles, died at age 95 on... Read more

The incorruptible body of St. Rita of Cascia (1381-1457).

Carlo Acutis raises question: What does it mean if a saint's body is 'incorrupt'?

Oct 2, 2020

By Hannah Brockhaus

The opening of the tomb of Carlo Acutis in Assisi has sparked interest in the phenomenon of incorruptibility. But what... Read more