Who are the Widows of Prayer?
We are Catholic widows who have decided to give back to our Lord. Our Apostolate is a Private Association of the Faithful under the directive of the Bishop of the Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Our birthplace is Appleton, WI, we have communities in other diocese and can establish a new community when we have met the minimum requirement of three (3) Insignia wearing Widows of Prayer with one of them as Servant Leader and then receive approval from the bishop in that diocese.
How many Widows of Prayer are there?
We have had over 130 women make Promises. Sadly, 70 have died. Our numbers change due to new candidates making Promises, or the loss of one of our own.
How do I know if God is calling me?
The “call” is internal and you can tell!
How are the Widows of Prayer different from other Widows?
We have answered yes to our Lord’s call. Our focus is on the Lord. We will never re-marry, are to lead a chaste life and a life of simplicity. Because we have been married, most of us are mothers and grandmothers and still take an active part in each of these roles.
How long does it take before I can become a Widow of Prayer?
It takes three years of discernment. After the application is received and approved, the candidate begins the first year of discernment and works with a Formation Director to continue her spiritual growth. At the end of the first year, she is invited to make her first Promise, then again at the end of her second year of discernment. The third year the Widow of Prayer makes her third and final Promise which is permanent. The Widows of Prayer who have made their final Promise are able to make a Private Vow of Consecration which is Simplicity, Chasity and Obedience. The blessings are profound!
Do you live in communities or are you cloistered?
The answer is no to both. Many Widows of Prayer live in their own homes.
What are examples of daily prayer life?
Because of the varying ages and health of many of our Widows, our prayer life also may vary. For most of us, we live the life of prayer through the means of:
Liturgy of the Hours (morning and evening prayer)
Daily Mass and Eucharist
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Holy Hour
Recitation of the Rosary
Scripture Reading
Contemplative/Mental Prayer
What if there aren’t any communities near to where I live?
A widow who doesn’t live close to any communities becomes a “remote” member of the community closest to her, or will become the “remote” member to Appleton, WI community which is the birthplace and Motherhouse for our Apostolate until such time that there are three (3) or more Insignia wearing Widows of Prayer in the same geographical area to become their own community. To become a new community, one of the three must be willing to become the Servant Leader for the group.
For Questions – Call 920-725-7768 or email: widowsofprayer@gmail.com