Franciscans pray nonstop for petitions from people all over the world

Published: 2004-06-28

LA CROSSE, Wis. (CNS) - The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration -- an order founded in Milwaukee in 1849 and based in La Crosse since 1871 -- has had at least two people praying before the Blessed Sacrament in the community's chapel round-the-clock since 1878. Cristeen Custer, communications director for the order, said that the religious community probably has the longest continuous prayer cycle in the United States. "Each person has a human need to adore (the Eucharist). It is one's response when contemplating all the wonder that is in daily life," says a statement about the devotion on the Franciscan community's Web site. "This tradition of perpetual adoration reminds us, hour after hour, of God's presence in our lives and our need to be present in others' lives." Over the years more than 2,100 people -- the Franciscan sisters and, in recent years, their lay prayer partners -- have taken part in perpetual adoration, praying regularly for the intentions of the people of La Crosse and Wisconsin and countless other people across the country and around the world.

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