Amanda Zurface, JCL, has been appointed as the Diocesan Postulator for the cause of Sister Annella Zervas, OSB, with the support of Bishop Andrew Cozzens. As a licensed canon lawyer and certified spiritual director, Amanda brings two decades of experience in service to the Catholic Church and a deep love for Christ and the Church’s mission.
Her connection to Sister Annella’s cause began in 2015, during her time of serving in the Diocese of Crookston, where she first heard about Sister Annella’s story. Years later, a friend reached out, inviting Amanda to help guide the beatification and canonization process. Shortly afterward, upon reading Ticket for Eternity, Amanda knew she was called to support this cause and felt a profound conviction to help bring Sister Annella’s life and message to the faithful of the Diocese of Crookston and the greater Church.
Now, as Diocesan Postulator, Amanda is responsible for petitioning and guiding the inquiry into Sister Annella’s life—navigating the canonical process and supporting the various individuals involved in the inquiry. She is especially honored to support Patrick Norton, who has led efforts to ask the Church to consider Sister Annella for sainthood. For Amanda, this work is not only a privilege but stands as one of the most meaningful efforts in her service to the Church to date.
She has a particular heart for those who approach the Church for help, reinforcing her conviction to support Norton and the cause as a whole. She finds deep purpose in sharing Sister Annella’s story, especially her witness to Christ as our closest and most trustworthy friend.
Amanda’s work goes beyond a traditional role; like Sister Annella, she believes that suffering, when united with Christ, becomes a pathway to redemption. She is committed to sharing the hope found in Sister Annella’s story—that God desires our good, loves each of us uniquely, and gives us everything we need; we need only ask for the grace to be open to Him. Sister Annella exemplifies humility and how to embrace this availability. Amanda is dedicated to bringing Sister Annella’s story to the faithful, inspiring others to trust in God’s intimate and limitless love and mercy.
