Sister Annella Zervas
An Apostle of Suffering for Our Day
Sister Annella Zervas, a devoted Benedictine, embraced her vocation as a humble handmaid of God with joy and complete surrender. Even amid suffering, her unwavering trust radiated her love for God and her desire to fulfill His will. Her life inspires others to draw closer to Christ, whom she saw as our truest friend, and invites the faithful to deepen their devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus, especially in times of suffering.
WELCOME
On behalf of Bishop Andrew Cozzens and the Guild for Sister Annella Zervas, we warmly welcome you to this space dedicated to the memory and spirituality of Sister Annella Zervas, OSB. Here, you can explore her extraordinary life and learn about the significant steps being taken to open her cause for beatification and canonization.
Whether you plan to join us in person for a prayer gathering or simply wish to learn more about her story, we invite you to participate in praying for her cause. Your support through prayer and any contributions will help share Sister Annella’s story and advance her cause.
May Sister Annella’s example lead us closer to Christ and His Church, inspiring each of us to live a life of total surrender and intimacy with God.
Prayer Gatherings
Join us monthly at the Saint Benedict’s Monastery Grotto in Saint Joseph, MN, on Sundays at 1:00 PM for the Friends of Sister Annella Prayer Gatherings. Through prayer, fellowship, and inspiring stories about Sister Annella, we come together to support her journey toward sainthood. Everyone is warmly welcome to participate in this faith-filled afternoon.
Cause for Beatification
Steps are being taken to begin the canonical inquiry into the life of Sister Annella Zervas. If her cause advances, she could become the first Saint from both the Diocese of Crookston and the state of Minnesota. Individuals have reported receiving favors and spiritual blessings through her intercession, both during her life and since her passing. The Postulator of her cause, is collecting and documenting these testimonies to prepare for the formal inquiry if the cause is opened. We invite anyone who has experienced a favor through Sister Annella’s intercession to share their story.
The Sister Annella Guild
The Sister Annella Guild is devoted to advancing the beatification and canonization cause of Sister Annella Zervas. In addition to sharing her inspiring story, the Guild is committed to preserving and archiving Sister Annella’s artifacts. Through prayer, devotion, and financial support, the Guild seeks to bring her legacy to the Diocese of Crookston and beyond.
Livestream
On November 12, Bishop Cozzens consulted with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) during the annual Plenary Assembly regarding the potential opening of the cause for Sister Annella Zervas, OSB. This session allowed the bishops to share their insights, address any concerns, and express their support for the cause.
Beatification Prayer
O Heavenly Father, who art the Author of all virtue and Source of all holiness, and who, through Thy faithful servant, Sister Annella Zervas, hast been pleased to give the world an example of patience and obedient resignation under suffering, we pray Thee to grant us the grace which we ask through her meditation, and thus to manifest her sanctity, that Thy Holy Church may soon be able to proclaim it for Thy greater glory, O God…
Interested in the life of Sister Annella?
Sister Annella Zervas, OSB, is remembered for her trustful surrender and cheerfulness amid great suffering. Her deep Catholic faith and closeness to the Lord have inspired many for nearly a century, and reports of favors have been attributed to her intercession.