motivational
A running nun raised $3.2 million for her neighborhood
Her first job is to pray. Running just helps.
Sister Stephanie Baliga will be among the record 55,000-plus runners at today's Chicago Marathon, where her job description has an unusual top line. As a Catholic nun, the 38-year-old told Nice News, her "No. 1 job is to pray." This is her 15th year leading the charity team at the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels, which she founded in 2011. It has raised more than $3.2 million since, with about $500,000 brought in ahead of this race. The money supports the mission's food pantry and outreach in one of Chicago's harder neighborhoods, including a Bible study and lunch program for seniors. Baliga ran Division I for the University of Illinois before a foot injury ended her athletic career and sent her toward her vows in 2010. These days the mission keeps her too busy to train properly. "I run like once a week and take it for the team," she said, laughing.
