Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

The Seven Sisters Apostolate held a day of renewal on October 18 at St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward, focusing on the theme “The Power of Prayer.” The event brought together members and supporters to reflect on their mission of prayer for priests.

In this apostolate, seven women each commit to praying a holy hour for a specific priest one day per week, ensuring that prayers are offered daily before the Blessed Sacrament for that priest throughout the year.

Father Robert Barnhill celebrated Mass at the seminary chapel to begin the day. Rhonda Litt, diocesan coordinator from Lincoln, welcomed attendees and introduced Janette Howe, founder of the Seven Sisters Apostolate from the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Howe described her inspiration for starting the group in 2010 and noted its growth: “It has since grown to include more than 5,200 organized groups across six continents, 36 countries and all 50 United States. The group collectively prays nearly two million holy hours for priests each year.”

The apostolate has been active in the Diocese of Lincoln since 2017 when Litt became coordinator after meeting with Bishop James Conley to seek his approval for promoting it locally.

Several priests who have benefited from these prayers spoke at the event. Father Barnhill was joined by Father Christopher Barak, Father Jason Doher, and Father Jamie Hottovy as they shared their experiences regarding spiritual and physical benefits received through prayer.

Father Doher recounted his struggle with recurring mononucleosis during his ministry: after requesting prayers from his Seven Sisters group following another diagnosis, he reported being well three days later.

Father Barak reflected on a difficult period in his priesthood when he felt isolated: “He said he felt God’s love for him and hasn’t felt alone since.” He also commented on the supportive role of women in ministry: “With amusement, he also highlighted how the sisters are ‘sisters’ and not the priests ‘mothers,’ because… sisters are more likely to put a brother in his place if needed!” He referenced Luke 8 as an example of Jesus recognizing women’s importance in ministry.

While originally designed for women, related ministries have encouraged men’s involvement as well. Dr. John Crotty from St. Joseph Parish in Auburn discussed Fasting Brothers—a group where men fast one day weekly alongside their parish’s Seven Sisters group for a specific priest’s intentions (excluding Sundays). Dr. Crotty emphasized that both prayer and fasting are important spiritual practices mentioned together in scripture; these parallel efforts highlight unique contributions from both men and women.

Attendees had opportunities for prayer, visiting with other groups, venerating relics, touring the seminary, participating in prize drawings, and taking photos with a life-size cutout of Pope Leo XIV.

Connie Munguia from Cristo Rey Parish spoke about her experience forming groups at her parish after learning about Seven Sisters through a friend. Initially keeping their prayers private from their pastor, she eventually told him who was praying: “She said he was so moved, he said, ‘every priest should have this!’” Munguia then invited Howe to encourage further expansion within Lincoln parishes.

Howe has led several conferences and retreats within Nebraska since then; according to Litt these retreats typically occur annually in May.

Munguia recalled continuing prayers for her pastor Father Ramon Decaen until his death from COVID-19 complications at age 48; her group honored him with a quilt over his coffin which was later given to his mother—herself part of another Seven Sisters group in California.

Munguia explained that joining is not simply volunteering but answering a call similar to Mary’s Fiat.

More information about participating can be found at https://www.lincolndiocese.org/diocese/lay-organizations/seven-sisters or by contacting Rhonda Litt directly via phone or email.