Woman holds 27-year prayer vigil for missing boy in emotional act of faith

'Mom always prayed for him.'

Agnes Imdieke lit a candle and offered a prayer every day over 27-years for Jacob Wetterling, who was reported missing October 22, 1989.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Agnes and Benedictine Sister Alice Imdieke really began praying in earnest for Jacob on October 21, 1990.

That October morning, nearly one year after his abduction, the Imdieke sisters sat at their ailing mother's side.

They asked what they could do for their mother, Fredericka and asked if she wanted to make a wish or tell them what she hoped for.

That day, she told her daughters she hoped Jacob would be found and reunited with his worried family.

The very next day, exactly one year since the boy's abduction, Fredericka passed away.

As reported by CNS, Agnes told the newspaper of the Diocese of St. Cloud, Minnesota, "Mom always prayed for him."

Fredericka often prayed for Jacob's discovery and safe return to his family and had closely followed updates reported on the television and newspapers.

Sister Alice shared: "It was one of the last things she said. I think that really hit us. I think we have kept this up because that was (our) mother's wish."

Agnes kept up the prayer for years, until September 6, 2016, when Danny Heinrich confessed to the kidnapping and murder of young Jacob.

Heinrich led police to the boy's body in a remote area near Paynesville, MN.

Heartbroken, Agnes has altered her daily prayers to thank God Jacob was finally found and returned to his family and a request for God to heal everyone affected by his death, particularly his mother Patter Wetterling.

Sister Alice believes her sister's dedication to keep Jacob in her prayers, as well as the prayers of everyone else who never gave up hope, are testaments of great faith.

It is easy to give up when you don't see results but Agnes believed in the Lord and, though bittersweet, Jacob was found and returned to his mother.

"It's a sad thing," Sister Alice stated. "But now the whole family knows where he is and they can...hopefully find peace."

A statement from Patty Wetterling was released on the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center's Facebook page, which included a list of things people can do to "bring her comfort today."

The list included:

• Say a prayer
• Light a candle
• Be with friends
• Play with your children
• Giggle
• Hold hands
• Eat ice cream
• Create joy
• Help your neighbor

The list is another example of faith. Rather than wallowing, Ms. Wetterling asked people to cherish their children.

Let Ms. Wetterling and Ms. Imdieke's faith restore your own. Pursue the Lord and never stop praying.

He listens and, though it comes in ways we may not always expect or understand, He always answers.

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