The Sister Annella Guild announced the opening of the cause for the canonization of Benedictine Sister Annella Zervas. A professed Benedictine of Saint Benedict’s Monastery in St. Joseph, Minnesota, Sister Annella died in 1926 at the age of 26 after a life marked by profound faith, virtue and patient endurance of great physical suffering.
Bishop Andrew Cozzens, bishop of the Diocese of Crookston, formally announced the opening of the cause Aug. 20, 2025, in an official video statement. After completing the necessary preliminary investigation, Bishop Cozzens has received a nihil obstat from the Holy See, indicating that there is no objection to formally opening the diocesan phase of the cause. This phase will include:
● Collection of testimonies regarding Sister Annella’s life, virtues and reputation for sanctity.
● Consideration of any reported favors attributed to her intercession.
● The establishment of a historical commission in accordance with the norms of Canon Law.
Mass will be celebrated in person and via livestream on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston, Minnesota. Doors open at 4 p.m. for an exhibit on the life of Sister Annella. At 5 p.m., Patrick Norton will share his story, followed by an organ recital at 6 p.m. and the Opening Mass at 6:30 p.m. Food will be available for purchase.
The faithful are invited to participate in the cause by:
● Offering prayers for the progress of the cause.
● Sharing personal testimonies or historical information about Sister Annella’s life, impact or virtue.
● Reporting any favors, graces or healings received through her intercession.
Information about the cause — including how to submit testimonies or favors, report graces received and become a member of the Guild — is available at sisterannella.org.
Above photo: Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens of Crookston, Minn., speaks about the cause of beautification and canonization of Sister Annella Zervas, a professed religious of the Order of St. Benedict, during a Nov. 12, 2024, session of the fall general assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Baltimore. Also pictured are Father Michael J.K. Fuller, USCCB general secretary; Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services, USCCB president; Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, USCCB vice president; and Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki of Springfield, Ill. (OSV News photo/Bob Roller)
Thank you for taking on the cause of Sainthood for Sister Annella Zervas