French Woman's Miraculous Recovery Renews Push for Nun's Canonization
Claire Souilliart, a 32-year-old from Calais, France, had a remarkable experience on the night of Oct. 25, 2024. Her encounter with a long-dead Minnesota Benedictine nun, Sister Annella Zervas, has sparked renewed interest in the nun's potential canonization.
Souilliart was suffering from intense chest pain when she cried out to Sister Annella for help. The nun appeared at her door, dressed in her traditional habit, and placed her hand on Souilliart's chest. The pain vanished instantly, and Souilliart woke up the next day feeling cured. This experience has contributed to the effort to open a canonization cause for Sister Annella, requested by Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens of Crookston, Minnesota.
In her vision, Souilliart saw Jesus and was asked if she still desired to be the bride of Christ. She also saw herself crowned with precious gems. The following night, she had a second encounter with Sister Annella, where she saw a vision of Jesus, Mary, and the communion of saints. Patrick Norton, who also claims to have encountered Sister Annella, has renewed interest in her story and local devotion.
Souilliart's experience has added weight to the canonization cause of Sister Annella Zervas. The French woman hopes the nun can be recognized for her holiness and believes she is already a saint. The religious community leading the canonization efforts has submitted detailed documentation about Sister Annella's life, virtues, and miracles to the Holy See in 2024.
