Sister Annella Zervas’ sainthood cause could be opened this month

Sister Annella Zervas, OSB, in her casket, after she died at 26 of a debilitating skin disease. August, 1926. / Credit: Photo courtesy of Joanne Zervas

CNA Staff, Nov 4, 2024 / 15:25 pm (CNA).

The bishops of the United States are set to discuss the possible opening of the sainthood cause of Sister Annella Zervas, a Benedictine nun from Minnesota who, in the early 20th century, exhibited holiness and persistence despite serious health challenges.

Zervas was born Anna Cordelia Zervas in Moorhead, Minnesota, in 1900. The second of six children in a devoutly Catholic family, Zervas showed great devotion to her faith, especially to Christ’s presence in the Eucharist. As a young girl, she would walk to daily Mass, often in the extreme northern cold.

At age 15, she entered the Order of St. Benedict at the convent of the Benedictine Sisters in St. Joseph, Minnesota, taking the religious name Mary Annella. Her mother reportedly objected to her chosen name: “There’s no saint Annella.” To which the young nun answered: “Then I shall have to be the first one.” She made her perpetual vows in July 1922.

Just a year later, in 1923, Zervas began experiencing what was later diagnosed as pityriasis rubra pilaris, a chronic and debilitating skin disease that caused extreme itching and other serious discomforts. Despite her condition, the musically talented Zervas continued to teach music at a Catholic school in Bismarck, North Dakota. Known for her positive attitude and good humor, she offered up her pain united with Christ’s suffering, trusting in Mary’s intercession and finding in the Eucharist her “greatest consolation.”

She died at age 26 in 1926 on the eve of the solemnity of the Assumption. After her death, people began to report receiving favors and miracles through her intercession.

Patrick Norton, an advocate for her prospective cause, said he had a vision in 2010 while at Zervas’ grave and was inspired to spread devotion to her. Norton, a house painter, husband, and father of three from Avon, Minnesota, has dedicated his life to sharing her story by reprinting and distributing booklets about her life and giving talks, despite having no prior experience. 

At their planned annual plenary meeting in Baltimore, which begins Nov. 11, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) plans to discuss opening her cause for beatification and canonization.

Bishop Andrew Cozzens of Crookston, Minnesota, has been leading the effort to open her cause, working with the local Benedictines — who were initially reluctant to open her cause — to gather information from their archives. On Oct. 23, Cozzens released a letter announcing that preliminary steps to open her sainthood cause are being taken. 

Zervas’ family has been cooperative, sharing photos and information to help tell her story. A guild has been organized to promote prayer for and awareness of her prospective cause as well.

Once opened — giving Zervas the title “servant of God” — the cause will first gather testimonies and information to determine if Zervas lived a life of “heroic virtue.”

If the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Causes of Saints agrees, Zervas will be declared “venerable.” The next title, “blessed,” comes after at least one verified miracle is attributed to her intercession.