Prayer Requests December 8, 2006 begins a new phase in the ministry of prayer of the Hospital Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis. With the beginning of the website Prayer Request, the Sisters are expanding their ability to receive prayer requests.

The Congregation of the Hospital Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis was founded on July 2, 1844 in the Grace Chapel in Teltge , Germany . This chapel contains a famous shrine to Mary, the Sorrowful Mother, and is a site where many people come to pray. From this foundation, the Sisters have brought the healing ministry of Jesus to the poor, sick, and needy throughout the world while recognizing the importance of prayer in their ministry.

When the Sisters responded to the call for healthcare services in America in 1875, their prayer life continued to be a focus of their spirituality as well as their service to others. Through their journey across the ocean, arrival in a new country, and establishment of their healthcare ministries throughout Illinois , Wisconsin and beyond, the Sisters found strength through prayer.

Since their earliest days in Springfield , the Sisters have prayed before the Blessed Sacrament (the presence of Jesus in the form of bread), offering to God prayers of praise, adoration, and thanksgiving as well as petition. They continue to pray for the needs of family, community, the Church, and the world. Over the years, the Sisters have received countless requests for prayers from many sources around the world.

On December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (the belief that from the moment of her conception, Mary was without sin), the Sisters are beginning their on-line Prayer Request. They chose this day to link the Church's honoring of Mary and their own beginnings in a chapel also dedicated to Mary.

The ministry of prayer is deeply rooted in the mission of continuing the healing ministry of Jesus. The Sisters will expand this ministry as they receive requests from the website.

To access the on-line Prayer Request, visit www.hospitalsisters.org on December 8.