The Life of Sr. Mary Wilhelmina

by The Benedictine Sisters of Mary Queen of Apostles

Sister Mary Wilhelmina Lancaster, OSB, founded the Benedictine Sisters of Mary, Queen of Apostles in 1995 at the age of seventy. Four years after her death, in May 2023, the sisters were preparing for the reinterment of the remains of their beloved foundress after the completion of a St. Joseph Shrine. Upon seeing Sister Mary’s remains, they discovered something incredible, something miraculous— her body appeared to be incorrupt!

In The Life of Sr. Mary Wilhelmina, you will become acquainted with this most humble sister, who, after fifty years of religious life, was called to establish the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles, to remain faithful to the traditional religious life and the Latin Mass. This biography includes stories of her life, her experience as a Black Catholic during racial tensions, the founding of a community, and her original poetry. Her entire life is a testament to fidelity, devotion, and surrender to God’s will.

139 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 7, 2023

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Life of Sr. Mary Wilhelmina" caught my eye when scrolling through the TAN Books titles I am able to borrow through my library on Hoopla (I am still thrilled to have found these!). I have several friends who have traveled to Gower, MO to pray shortly after her uncorrupt body was discovered (not covered in this book), have friends whose daughter who is discerning a vocation with the Benedictine Sisters there, and one who believes her son was healed through the intercession of Sr. Wilhelmina.

I really enjoyed reading about her life and "getting to know" her through this book. I was surprised to learn that the Benedictine Oblate, St. Frances of Rome was her special patroness. Sr. Wilhelmina professed her first vows on March 9, the Feast of St. Frances of Rome and her final vows on August 15th, the day St. Frances of Rome consecrated herself to Mary. I had purchased "The Life of St. Frances of Rome" in last month's $5 sale so I am looking forward to reading that, next.

[Mary Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beginning is slow but then you can’t put it down! Sr. Wilhelmina is incredible and surely a saint.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sr Mary Wilhelmina was an incredible woman and a saint of our time. The first half of the book was like drinking from a fire hose. They crammed way too many names and dates of people that have no real bearing on her story. It was hard to follow and detracted from her. Around the middle of the book we get quotes from her and some of her writings. That’s when it starts to get good. Describing her last days and death was most moving for me. Overall, while I had issues with how this book was written, the story is one of faith, perseverance, and a truly remarkable woman!

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could have met Sister Mary Wilhelmina. I am so glad her story is getting attention.

I loved learning Sister’s story and found myself agreeing with so many of her opinions.

In many ways her determination and matter of fact was reminded me of Mother Angelica.

I loved Sister’s positive outlook despite the many challenges she faced with her health.

Her love of Jesus, the Blessed Mother, and the Holy Catholic Church is not only amazing, it is inspirational. Reading about her life showed me ways to dig and work harder to deepen my own faith and walk as a Catholic Christian.

Thank you to TAN Books for the copy of this book. All views are my honest opinion.

[Haley Dessauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great biography of a beautiful soul. I hope that I may live to see her canonized within my lifetime! The beginning of the book was interesting as far as understanding Sister Wilhelmina’s background and how it shaped her life. I especially loved reading about her mother. However, there is ALOT of information regarding genealogy within the first few chapters. You just have to push through. Once they start describing her spiritual/monastic life, it’s a breath of fresh air. Also, her witty poems made me flat-out giggle at times!

[Hannah Garstecki · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great short biography of Sr. Wilhelmina, beginning from her lineage and ending with her final years at Gower. Her life is a testament to both the small steps of discernment over long periods of time and relying on God's providence. Her journey of starting the community of the Benedictines of Mary was one paved with many years of humility and obedience, but also courage and fortitude. Would love to visit the sisters' abbey again after this.

[Joseph Sitko · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Story for Our Times

The world would be a much better place if all had Sr. Wilhelmina's outlook and faith in God. This is the story of a wonderful, virtuous life from which we can all learn something.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

St. Mary Wilhelmina

This book is a treasure. I truly loved learning about this saintly sisters life. Through the intercession of Sr. Mary Wilhelmina , I pray for all of the souls who have no one to pray for them. Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy.

[JR Eftink · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book immensely!!!

[Quinlan Couri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful!