Non-stop prayer still strong after 137 years

Flooding, snowstorms, a flu outbreak, even a fire, any of these might have slowed a group of Wisconsin nuns who nonetheless say nothing has kept their order from praying nonstop for hundreds of thousands of people for the last 137 years.

The La Crosse-based Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration claim to have been praying night and day for the ill and suffering longer than anyone in the US, since 11am on August 1, 1878.

“When I walk into the chapel, I can feel this tangible presence kind of hit [me],” said Sr Sarah Hennessey, who helps co-ordinate the prayers.