Sister Annella Zervas (1900 - 1926) https://sisterannella.org/ I hadn't heard of this American nun until she was mentioned on Fb today. She suffered very much in the last three years of her short life. Link to her full story above.
https://sisterannella.org/how-patrick-norton-resparked-devotion-to-sister-annella-zervas/ A Life-Changing Encounter Patrick’s journey began at the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto at St. Benedict’s Monastery in St. Joseph, Minnesota. While painting lampposts near the statue of Mary, he paused to pray, thanking the Blessed Mother for the privilege of the work and asking that he might do it well. At that moment, he looked down and saw a religious sister in full Benedictine habit. She smiled and said: “You are doing a good job.” Patrick remembers that she said more, but he was so overwhelmed by her presence that he could hardly take it in. Then, as suddenly as she appeared, she was gone. For two years, Patrick carried this mysterious encounter quietly, uncertain of what it meant. Full story at Link above.
https://catholicweekly.com.au/healing-encounter-with-sister-annella-zervas/ "French woman hopes sharing mystical encounter with Minnesota Benedictine helps sainthood cause."
“What He has in store for me, I do not know, but all He does is well, so there is no need to worry.” Sister Annella Zervas, OSB
https://sisterannella.org/sister-annellas-story-reaches-texas-a-story-for-families-and-the-young/ Sister Annella’s Story Reaches Texas: A Story for Families and the Young
From the official Fb page of the Sister Annella Zervas Guild today: "In early autumn of 1925, Sister Annella wrote with honesty about her suffering, but also with peace and trust in God. Writing to Sister Ignatia, she shared, “I still run a temperature, and my skin is very annoying... although it really does not look so very bad. Oh well, an end will come sometime, when God wills it so.” She knew her suffering also caused concern for those who loved her, adding, “It isn’t very encouraging, that is sure.... Well, so it goes: one has this, another that, and in the end it matters little which cross was ours, unless it be that the greater one brings the greater reward in heaven.” Around the same time, she wrote to Sister De’Pazzi, “I am happy to know that I am being given an opportunity to fulfill God’s holy will.... I don’t feel able for much sometimes.... But then a change may come, and if not, God knows best. His holy will is mine.”
From Fb page dedicated to Sister Annella: "This time last week, we were preparing for the Sister Annella Guild’s Centennial Celebration honoring the life of Servant of God Annella Zervas, OSB. Today marks 100 years since her death. 100 years of looking to her example of heroic love. 100 years of courageous individuals keeping her story alive. 100 years of God continuing to work through the “yes” she gave Him during her 26 years of life. As we enter into this special day, we give thanks for the countless people who have carried her story forward and shared her witness. Above all, we give thanks to God for the gift of Sister Annella’s life and for the ways He continues to work through her story in our very own stories today. " See the highlights from the Centennial Celebration and watch Bishop Cozzens's homily here:
Thank you, Dave. It is wonderful to take in such local good news as the above. Yet national and international perspectives on such institutions like the Vatican or the Bishop conference of Germany are so dreary. While one may argue that to keep abreast is important so we aren't blindsided by apostasy, it no longer holds much value to me. This morning, a nearby parish named Divine Mercy continued an 8:30am tradition of celebrating a morning Sacred Liturgy each year on the Feast of the Assumption, on the shores of Oneida Lake where a Shrine to Our dear Lady is located. The Pastor is a very orthodox and inspiring priest and about 60-70 of mostly his parishioners were present. Geralyn and I usually attend together, but unfortunately only I could make it. A strong homily, the morning sun gleaming on the water in the background, with Our Lady holding Baby Jesus closing with reception of Holy Communion. And my knowing a number of those present, while meeting a new deacon, though I did not serve. Beauty, Grace, Holy Mass, and Our Lady, all rolled into one. The building up of the Body of Christ, joy, and the Holy Eucharist. This is what really matters and helps transform the world. For me, keeping up on the latest international Church news grows tiresome and sad.
