A community in Jamestown, North Dakota, gathered to pay their respects during a Mass of Christian Burial for a human fetus found earlier this month. The service took place on December 19, 2023, at St. James Basilica, honoring the remains of what has been named Trinity St. James.
The remains were discovered on November 4, when a construction crew reported finding a fetus in a glass container at a southeast Jamestown location. According to a report from The Jamestown Sun, police officers arrived to investigate and confirmed the presence of intact fetal remains. The remains were subsequently collected for examination by the Stutsman County coroner and sent to the Medical Examiner’s Office for further analysis.
In his role as pastor, Very Rev. Chad Wilhelm described the service as “the most unique” of his 32 years in the priesthood, having conducted tens of thousands of funerals. More than 70 community members attended the burial for the 32-week-old fetus at Calvary Cemetery. “I thought that it was pretty sweet that people in the community came out on a cold Friday to be there to honor this child,” Wilhelm remarked.
The burial service, which was held free of charge by Eddy Funeral Home, reflects a commitment to providing dignified farewells for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances. Mike Williams, owner of the funeral home, stated, “We’ve got a duty to bury all people, even those that don’t have means,” adding that it was an honor to facilitate the burial.
The police department has completed the autopsy for the remains, but as of December 22, Chief of Police Scott Edinger noted that the Jamestown Police Department has yet to receive the final report.
Wilhelm expressed a desire to hold a memorial Mass on December 19, 2026, to remember Trinity, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the life of the fetus. He stated, “He was made in God’s image and likeness and had never had a funeral service for him.” The naming of the fetus, Trinity St. James, was intentional; it reflects both the location where the remains were found, near the former Trinity Hospital, and the basilica’s patron saint, St. James.
The remains were treated with care, being placed in a small coffin for burial. Wilhelm conveyed a message of hope and respect, explaining, “His little body can decompose like all of ours.” He reinforced the Christian belief that, in the end, the soul is with God.
The history of Trinity Hospital, previously known as Parkview Hospital, is notable as it was the first facility in North Dakota to operate a nursing student program. Wilhelm recounted how the fetus had been preserved for educational purposes in the past, which was a common practice for teaching medical professionals about human anatomy.
Sharing insights from a late Catholic sister, Wilhelm explained that the sisters would often seek permission from families to use deceased fetuses for educational purposes, underscoring the significant role that such specimens played in medical training at the time.
This poignant service not only provided a moment of reflection for the community but also highlighted the importance of recognizing every life, regardless of its duration. As the community comes together to honor Trinity St. James, it reflects a shared sense of responsibility and compassion that transcends individual circumstances.
