Servant of God Sister Annella Zervas
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| Servant of God Sister Annella Zervas | |
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| Birthplace | Moorhead, Minnesota, United States |
| Death Place | Moorhead, Minnesota, United States |
| Cause of Death | skin disease (pityriasis rubra pilaris) |
| Primary Shrine | Saint Benedict's Monastery Cemetery, St. Joseph, Minnesota |
Servant of God Sister Annella Zervas (religious name Mary Annella; born Anna Cordelia Zervas; April 7, 1900 – August 14, 1926) was an American Benedictine nun whose life of patient suffering and joyful fidelity has inspired devotion in Minnesota and beyond.[1] Born in Moorhead, Minnesota, to devout Catholic parents, she entered the Benedictine Sisters of Saint Benedict's Monastery in St. Joseph at age 15, professing vows in 1919 and 1922. A talented musician, she taught music until stricken with pityriasis rubra pilaris in 1923, enduring three years of excruciating illness with remarkable peace before dying at age 26.
The cause for her beatification and canonization opened on October 9, 2025, in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Crookston, Minnesota, declaring her a Servant of God—the first cause from the Diocese of Crookston.[2] No authenticated miracles are recorded as of late 2025, though numerous reported favors—including healings and conversions—have been attributed to her intercession. No feast day exists.
Biography
Birth
Servant of God Sister Annella Zervas was born Anna Cordelia Zervas on April 7, 1900, in Moorhead, Minnesota, to Hubert Zervas and Emma Miller Zervas.[3] Moorhead at the time was a growing railroad town on the North Dakota border, with a small but active Catholic community.
The second of six children, Anna was baptized soon after birth in Saint Joseph's Church. Her family practiced Catholicism devoutly, attending Mass regularly despite the challenges of northern winters.
From infancy, Anna showed spiritual maturity, often praying alone and demonstrating kindness. These early signs of holiness were noted by family and parish priests.
The turn of the century brought change to the region, but the Zervas household remained centered on faith and hard work.
Early Life
Anna attended local parochial schools in Moorhead, excelling in music and academics. Teachers recalled her cheerful disposition and frequent reception of the sacraments.
By age ten, she expressed desire for religious life, inspired by Benedictine sisters who taught in the area. Family circumstances, including financial needs, delayed immediate entry.
At fifteen, with parental consent and pastor encouragement, Anna left home for Saint Benedict's Monastery in St. Joseph, Minnesota. The 160-mile journey marked permanent separation from family.
In August 1915, she entered the novitiate, beginning formation under experienced sisters. Her joyful adaptation despite homesickness impressed superiors.
Occupation
Received the habit on June 17, 1918, taking the name Mary Annella, she made simple profession in July 1919 and solemn vows in July 1922.[4] Assigned to teach music and organ at Catholic schools, she used talents to evangelize through beauty.
As novice mistress, she formed young sisters with gentleness and example. Her musical gifts enriched liturgy and community life.
In 1923, a skin condition—later diagnosed as pityriasis rubra pilaris—forced withdrawal from teaching. Returning home for care, she continued spiritual influence through letters.
Her occupation shifted to victim soul, offering suffering for souls.
Vocation
Sister Annella's vocation was Benedictine contemplative life amid active service. She embraced the Rule's balance of prayer, work, and community.
Mystical graces, including interior locutions, deepened her union with Christ. She offered illness for Church and sinners.
As teacher and mistress, she formed souls with patience. In suffering, her vocation became redemptive witness.
Her example inspired perseverance in faith despite pain.
Death
By 1926, the disease ravaged Sister Annella's body, causing constant pain and isolation. She returned to Moorhead for family care.
On August 14, 1926, vigil of the Assumption, she died peacefully at age 26. Last words expressed joy in meeting God.
Funeral drew crowds; reputation for holiness immediate. Buried at Saint Benedict's Monastery cemetery.
Exhumations revealed preservation signs, noted in cause documents.
Servant of God Sister Annella Zervas met her end peacefully in youth.
Significant events
- Entered Saint Benedict's Monastery, August 1915.
- Received habit and name Mary Annella, June 17, 1918.
- Made solemn profession, July 1922.
- Illness began, 1923.
- Died August 14, 1926.
- Cause opened October 9, 2025.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Moorhead, Minnesota, United States
Death location: Moorhead, Minnesota, United States
Notable location: Convent of profession and ministry (Saint Benedict's Monastery, 104 Chapel Lane, St. Joseph, Minnesota, United States)
Notable location: Burial site (Saint Benedict's Monastery Cemetery, St. Joseph, Minnesota, United States)
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Parishes
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Media
| Media | Length | AuthorCreator |
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| This nun who suffered excruciating pains is going to be raised to the altar soon | 15–30 minutes | Wholly Catholic |
Shrines
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No shrines where this saint is the primary saint.
Canonization
Servant of God
Cause opened October 9, 2025, in Crookston Cathedral.
Venerable
Not yet declared.
Beatification
Not yet beatified.
Canonization
Not canonized.
Miracles
No authenticated miracles as of late 2025; reported favors include healings and conversions.
Patronage
No official patronage.
Feast day
No official feast day.
Veneration
Servant of God Sister Annella Zervas is remembered privately on August 14 (death).
External links
References
- ↑ "Annella Zervas". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annella_Zervas.
- ↑ "The Cause for the Canonization of the Servant of God Annella Zervas Begins". Sister Annella Guild. https://sisterannella.org/the-cause-for-the-canonization-of-servant-of-god-annella-zervas-begins/.
- ↑ "Annella Zervas". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annella_Zervas.
- ↑ "Sister Annella Guild". Sister Annella Guild. https://sisterannella.org/.