Lord of the Dance
Irish Nuns stage 'prayer marathon' by walking 26 miles to honour Covid-19 healthcare workers
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Irish Nuns stage 'prayer marathon' by walking 26 miles to honour Covid-19 healthcare workers

MEMBERS of a nunnery have paid tribute to frontline healthcare workers in Ireland after staging a prayer marathon relay for their efforts during the Covid-19 crisis.

The Redemptoristine Nuns at the Monastery of St Alphonsus in Dublin each decided to walk for over an hour so that cumulatively they'd cover 26 miles - the official length of a marathon.

The 12 of them began at 1pm on Monday, each covering roughly five miles, and were finished by around 8pm.

"Each sister is walking one hour and 15 minutes at the rate of 17 minutes a mile," prioress Sr Lucy told the Irish Times.

"We all started together at 1pm ... We said the rosary for all who had died and suffered and all those who have and are putting their lives at risk to care for people with the disease," she said.

"That includes all the heroes who have been there on the button as well, the post people, those who have fed us, those who have continued to help us in every way through this. Dr [Tony] Holohan and his poor wife.

"Yes, journalists too, they kept people informed," she added.

*Thanks Sr Lucy.

She and Sr Jacinta, the latter in her motorised chair, had already completed one stint by 4pm and completed another before the day was up.

"There’s a great feeling about it among the sisters. We’re getting fresh air and celebrating the glory of God," she added.