This afternoon.

The Knock shrine, Knock, Co Mayo

Worst hen party ever.

A brace of American nuns prepare for the start today of a National Novena (NINE days of prayer) where 100,000 pilgrims are expected at the shrine for a rosary-a-thon.

Last pic from left, Sr. Maximilian Marie from the Dominican Sisters of Mary (DSM) in Ann Arbor Michigan, Sr. Monica from the Franciscan Sister of the Renewal (FSR) in New York City, Mother Lucille (FSR), Sr. Mary Cecilia (DSM), Sr. Jacinta (FSR) and Sr. Clare (FSR).

‘Lil’ Mother Lucille (second left above) was the first nun to complete a ‘decade’ in under eight minutes.

Earlier: Bring Your Own Beads

(Mark Stedman/RollingNews.ie)