Shrine of Our Lady of the Prairies

The Shrine of Our Lady of the Prairies is a traditionalist Catholic shrine in Powers Lake, North Dakota. It was established in the 1950s by Reverend Fredric J. Nelson, who also published the "Maryfaithful" magazine. Father Nelson started a grade school and high school in 1961, and built a retirement home also. He founded an order of nuns, the Marian Sisters, headed by Sister Lillian. He had "pilgrimages" during the summer months, drawing thousands of faithful from all over the world to Powers Lake. After Father Nelson's passing, their numbers began to dwindle.