Sr. Wilhelmina Lancaster Wooden Doll Ornament

Handmade original Sr. Wilhelmina Lancaster Wooden Doll Ornament. Perfect for the Christmas Tree. Bring out on her feast day or for a Novena. Gift for a birthday or sacrament (Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, Holy Orders, Marriage) celebration. Teacher, priest, grandparent gift.

Born in 1924 the 2nd of five to Catholic parents in St. Louis. Experienced a mystical experience at her First Communion at 9 where Jesus invited her to be his. At 13 asked by her parish priest to consider the convent, she wrote the Oblate Sisters of Providence in Baltimore (one of two order for Black women) seeking permission. Too young, she continued Catholic high school in St Louis; when segregation hit, her parents founded the St. Joseph’s Catholic High School for Negroes. Took vows with Oblates and remained for 50 years. After Vatican II, she sought to preserve the traditional habit, even constructing her own with parts from a plastic bottle when no longer produced. After hearing of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter starting a convent, she rediscovered the Latin Mass, and at 70 founded the Benedictine Sisters of Mary, Queen of the Apostles in 1995 in Gower, MO, known for their traditional Catholic albums. Dying at 95, her remains were exhumed in 2023 and found incorrupt, the first Black woman as such.

Made of wood, felt, ribbon, and handmade accessories. Includes tag and card with Saint's biography and description. Approximately 4" tall. Packaged in cellophane bag. Shipped in box with bubble wrap.