It has been a year since we gathered at Saint Benedict's Cemetery for our final prayer gathering of the season, united in hope for movement towards Sister Annella's beatification. Today, I am excited to share another important update with you as we continue this journey together.
Thanks to your ongoing prayers, perseverance, and support, significant progress has been made. Bishop Cozzens has officially established a guild dedicated to the prayerful and financial backing of Sister Annella’s cause. We are grateful to the Sisters of Saint Benedict for providing access to the archives and allowing continued prayer gatherings at the cemetery. They have asked that we not attach items (flowers, rosaries, etc.) to the cross that marks Sister Annella’s tomb since this could damage it and that people do not climb on the crucifixion scene.
The Guild exists to promote awareness of Sister Annella's life, provide financial support for the inquiry into her life, and petition for her cause of beatification and canonization. For more information about the Guild, please click the button below.
I am also delighted to introduce the Guild’s Board of Directors, which includes members from all across the state of Minnesota—an appropriate reflection of the widespread devotion to Sister Annella. The Board consists of Bishop Andrew Cozzens, STD, DD, who serves as Ex Officio President; Monsignor David Baumgartner, JCL, as President; Debbie Peterson as Notary; Peter Crary, JD, Vice President; Anna Kliner as Secretary; Deacon Jeff Reese as Treasurer; and members Jon Grell, Helen Healy, Peter Jordan, Nancy Dewey, Brenda Posch, Jayne Miller, Deacon Stuart Longtin and Father Robert Schreiner, STL, who will serve as the Spiritual Director for the Cause. I am honored to serve as the Diocesan Postulator.
An important milestone is approaching: on November 12, Bishop Cozzens will present the cause of Sister Annella to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) during their General Assembly. This consultative stage is a crucial step in advancing her cause, and we will be providing details on how to watch the consultation live as the date draws nearer. Stay tuned for further updates and the link to access the live stream.
We encourage you to reach out to the Sister Annella Guild with any questions or for more information on how to support the Cause. Your interest and involvement are greatly appreciated as we work together to advance Sister Annella's Cause. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for updates or to learn more about how your contributions can make a difference—simply reply to this email or email us at sisterannellazervas@gmail.com.
If you feel called to support our mission, we invite you to click the donate button below to contribute online. You may also mail financial gifts to Sister Annella Zervas Guild, 702 Summit Avenue, Crookston, MN 56716, with checks made payable to "Sister Annella Zervas Guild." Please note that gifts are not yet tax-deductible as we are still in the process of seeking public charity status. Thank you for your dedication, prayers, and continued support.
