Pat Fechter, age 90, made her 25th silent retreat at The White House with the Jesuits in St. Louis this weekend. She remained silent for three days.
Pat grew up during the Depression. When her mother fell ill and her father was no longer able to care for her. She went to an orphanage, where nuns raised her and her siblings.
"I have to start every day by giving thanks to God" Pat said, "I have been so blessed." She goes to Mass everyday.
Pat and her husband first met when she was 15. They recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. They had 12 children. The kids give her fresh flowers every month.
Pat wears a prayer box around her neck. The tiny silver box contains a hand written prayer. She won't tell anyone what it says and she says she won't take the prayer out until it is answered.