The Story Sister Annella Zervas, OSB
“Jesus, send me more pain, but give me the strength to bear it!”
A HIDDEN LIFE FULL OF HEROIC LOVE AND SACRIFICE
Your struggles matter. When offered to God, they can become a sacrifice of love that draws you closer to Christ and, in ways unseen, also help others.
This was true for Sister Annella. As a child, she grew in her Catholic faith with her family and found special love for the Eucharist and daily Mass. Her primary calling was to be a Benedictine sister, giving her life to Christ. Later, she received another invitation: to share in His suffering through illness. God revealed that her sacrifice was for the Church and the world. Her story invites us to see our own trials in a new light—as moments where God can work in us, deepening our dependence on Him, growing us in humility, and shaping us to live fully for Him.
Timeline of Significant Events
1900
Annella Zervos is born in Moorhead, Minnesota.
1911
Annella makes her first Holy Communion.
1912
The year Annella is believed to have been confirmed.
1915
Annella leaves home to join the Order of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota.
1918
She receives the Benedictine habit and the name Sister Mary Annella, OSB.
1922
Sister Annella makes her perpetual vows.
1923
She begins to suffer regular pain in her stomach and on her skin.
1924
The University of Minnesota diagnoses her with pityriasis rubra pilaris, a chronic skin disease that had no treatments at the time.
1926
Sister Annella dies at age 26 at her parents’ house in Moorhead, Minnesota.
1929
The book “An Apostle of Suffering in Our Day,” a biography of Sr. Annella written by Benedictine priest Joseph Kreuter, is published.
1957
Another biography, “Ticket to Eternity,” by James Kritzeck, is published.
2010
Sister Annella appears to Patrick Norton at Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto at Saint Benedict’s in St. Joseph, Minnesota.
2023
Bishop Andrew Cozzens of the Diocese of Crookston announced his openness to the canonical study of Sister Annella Zervas, OSB.
2024
Bishop Cozzens moved through the consultation phases required before opening a cause, including his consultation with the USCCB at their Plenary Assembly on November 12, where the bishops voted overwhelmingly (206–7) in favor of advancing her cause.
2025
The Holy See granted a Nihil Obstat, completing the consultations and giving Bishop Cozzens the input he needed to decide to formally open the canonical process to study the life of Sister Annella Zervas.
SUPPORT SISTER ANNELLA’S CAUSE
Through a tax-deductible donation, you can help share Sister Annella’s story and further her path to sainthood. Thank you for joining us in promoting knowledge of this remarkable Minnesotan, who could become the first saint from both the Diocese of Crookston and the State of Minnesota. Her example of patient suffering continues to inspire people within the Church and throughout the world.
