Wis. Nuns Say They've Prayed Non-Stop Since 1878

An order of nuns in Wisconsin say they've prayed continually for people over the last 137 years. Members of the Fransican Sisters of Perpetual Adoration have been working in shifts since 1878.

"When I walk into the chapel I can feel this tangible presence kind of hit (me)," said Sister Sarah Hennessey, who helps coordinate the prayers.
    
The La Crosse, Wisconsin, nuns take turns lifting up prayers for the sick, troubled and stressed out -- and they do it non-stop, day and night.

"If it's 11 o'clock at night and it's my hour and another sister doesn't show up, I can't just go to bed," Sister Hennessey said. "You're like, 'It's 137 years — I have to stay awake.'"

The 100 sisters are not alone in their prayer vigil. They get help from about 180 prayer partners. But the nuns say they usually take the longer night shifts.