Second Annual Nun Run Scheduled for March 12 Becomes Habit Across U.S. and Abroad

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Feb 07, 2011, 08:45 ET

TEMPE, Ariz., Feb. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration (PCPA) of Our Lady of Solitude, a contemplative community of nuns in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, are building endurance by running, strength training and praying in preparation for their second annual Nun Run, a Good Habit! The 10K Run, 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Walk will be held at 8 a.m., Saturday, March 12, at Kiwanis Park in Tempe, Ariz. This Run is a fundraiser to build a cloistered monastery and communal place of retreat in Tonopah, Ariz., approximately 50 miles west of Phoenix.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110207/LA43209)

The Nun Run is for all ages and faiths, and those outside Arizona who want to participate as Shadow Runners. Last year's Nun Run drew more than 1,000 participants and 200 Shadow Runners in 30 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Italy, Canada, the United Kingdom and Israel.

"As nuns dedicated to prayer, we have a deep appreciation for the oneness of spirit and body--you have to nourish both," said Sr. Esther Marie of the Poor Clares. "The Nun Run is a way for the community to join together; appreciate the great outdoors, God's beauty that surrounds us; and take care of our bodies through exercise as part of healthy living."

Nun Run registration is $25 per person through February 26; $30 from February 27 through March 11; and $35 on March 12. To register, become a Shadow Runner or Nun Run fundraiser, visit www.desertnuns.com or www.active.com.

Proceeds from last year's Nun Run helped construct Our Lady of Solitude Chapel. Completed in September by Phoenix-based Haydon Building Corp., the 10,000 square-foot chapel features Medieval architecture, a 75-foot octagonal dome and 16 customized, stained glass windows of Eucharistic Saints overlooking panoramic desert views. Inside the sanctuary, ornate reredos ( carved altar piece) is a focal point of hand-carved woodwork, sculptured and fabricated by an artisan in Italy.

The chapel will be consecrated on May 7 by Most Rev. Thomas J. Olmsted, Bishop of Phoenix, and open to the public the following week for adoration, daily mass, confession and retreats.

Architectural plans are completed for the adjacent Our Lady of Solitude Monastery which will reflect a traditional monastic setting with modern conveniences. When built, it will be the first PCPA Monastery in the Western United States.

About the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration

In May 2005, the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration (PCPA) were invited to the Valley from Hanceville, Alabama, by the Most Rev. Thomas J. Olmsted, Bishop of Phoenix. Five nuns traveled from Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Alabama to Arizona to establish the first contemplative Order in the Diocese of Phoenix. PCPA Monasteries around the world include locations in France, Germany, Bangladesh, Poland and India. For more information on the Poor Clares, to make a prayer request or donation, or to inquire about a vocation, visit www.desertnuns.com.