By Katrina Genereux
Bishop Andrew Cozzens has accepted the nomination of Amanda Zurface, JCL, to serve as Diocesan Postulator for the cause of Sister Annella Zervas, OSB. Zurface, a licensed canon lawyer and certified spiritual director, has served the Church for more than twenty years.
First Encounters and Invitation
Zurface first heard about Sister Annella in 2015 while serving in the Diocese of Crookston. A colleague and friend, Anna Kliner, brought a pamphlet about Sister Annella into the diocesan office and shared it with her and Fr. Bob Schreiner. She explains honestly, “At the time, neither Fr. Bob nor I thought much of it.”
Years later, in 2020, a former classmate reached out to Amanda, sharing that a family member had been receiving favors through Sister Annella’s intercession. Knowing of her years serving in the Diocese, he asked what should be done. That question drew Amanda directly into the unfolding of the cause and led to her introduction to Patrick Norton, who had already been advocating for Sister Annella for years. Norton soon asked her to assist with the petition to open the cause officially.
At the same time, Fr. Bob was also being approached—independent of Amanda and without either of them knowing the other was involved. Amanda was asked to help with the canonical aspects, while Fr. Bob was invited to serve as the spiritual director. Only later did they realize they had both been called into the same work. “We shortly connected the dots and were in awe at God’s hand in it all,” Amanda said.
Not long after these events, Amanda read Ticket for Eternity, the biography of Sister Annella. Through it, she describes feeling a strong conviction that she was meant to be involved in bringing Sister Annella’s life and message forward.
Guiding the Canonical Process
As Postulator, Amanda is responsible for petitioning and guiding the inquiry into Sister Annella’s life and virtues. She works closely with the Guild’s Board of Directors, and others directly involved in the process.
Amanda expressed her deep gratitude for the collaboration of Monsignor David Baumgartner, JCL, who serves as both the President of the Guild and the Episcopal Delegate, and Monsignor Robert Sarno. Over the past year, those involved in the cause have participated in regular trainings led by Monsignor Sarno, a widely recognized expert in the canonization process. Having served for many years at the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints in Rome, he has authored key documents and guided numerous significant causes. “It has been an incredible gift to receive monthly formation from Monsignor Sarno and to take each step with confidence, exactly as the Church intends the process to unfold,” Amanda said. You can listen to Amanda share about the cause on EWTN.
Amanda shared, “Annella’s witness reminds me—and all of us—that Christ is our closest and most trustworthy friend. She shows us that when suffering is united with Him, it becomes a path to redemption. Suffering draws us into a deeper dependence on God and fosters a humility that might not come about in any other way. God is so generous.”
A Shared Journey of Faith
Amanda said since Sister Annella Zervas’ passing in 1926, countless people have called for her canonization. This journey has always been deeply collaborative—marked by faithfulness, perseverance, and trust in God’s providence. From her father and mother, Hubert and Emma Zervas, to her fellow sisters in the convent, the Oblates, Fr. Joseph Kreuter, O.S.B, James Kritzeck, Brendan King, Patrick and Sandy Norton, and numerous priests and lay faithful, many have carried Sister Annella’s witness forward with courage and devotion.
When asked about the similarity of her name and whether she is related to Sister Annella, Zurface shared that she isn’t aware of any direct connection—but she can’t help but sense that God is at work through the resemblance. “How can we not be related?” she explained. “God had to make it so clear—our last name, the same initials. There’s something He’s doing through this.” Her family is now looking into whether there may in fact be a relation.
Amanda expressed her gratitude for all those she has met along the way who have given their “yes” and inspired her since she began accompanying this work in 2000. “Around four years ago, I was blessed to be invited more directly into these efforts,” she reflected. “From the beginning, the Lord has guided our every step. These past four years have been the most life-giving work I have experienced in the Church to date.”
She added that she and all those assisting with the Cause strive to surrender the work daily to God’s will, often repeating the prayer of Sister Annella herself: “Jesus, mercy.”
About the Author:
Katrina Genereux is a wife and mother living in the Diocese of Crookston. Katrina has served the diocese in communications for more than ten years and now chairs the Communications Committee for the Guild of Sister Annella. She has developed a spiritual friendship with Sister Annella and treasures the opportunity to share her story and the canonization process with her children.
