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The death mask of Venerable Maria Kaupas stands in the nun’s room at the motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Casimir in Chicago. The mask stands on a post that reaches the height Kaupas was at the time of her death. A Mass to promote Kaupas’ cause for canonization was celebrated at the motherhouse Aug.7. On July 1, Pope Benedict declared Kaupas – founder of the Sisters of St. Casimir -- a “venerable servant of God” in recognition of her heroic virtue.

Photo: Karen Callaway / Catholic New World