THE PRAYER GROUP OF St. PIO OF PIETRELCINA

One evening in 1940 while talking to some of the faithfuls Padre Pio gave rosary beads to each of those present and said: ‘Pray, pray to the Lord with me, because the whole world needs prayers. And each day when you feel life’s loneliness more strongly, pray, pray together to the Lord because even God needs our prayers!’ And thus Padre Pio’s prayer groups were born although it was to be almost ten years before they became a world-wide institution. The first group formed round Padre Pio himself consisted of five people, all elderly; the first who had been asked to pray the Rosary.  On Padre Pio’s last day on earth in September, 1968 an international convention of prayer groups was held at San Giovanni Rotondo when Padre Pio was moved to say to his superior - ‘I thank the Lord that he heard my humble prayer and I am happy that so many people are united with me in prayer.’ Our prayer group meets in  Parishioner’s homes on the last Sunday of each month at 7.15pm. This could be changed if the day and time are not suitable. The meeting begins with the Padre Pio prayers and ends with Evening Prayer from the Divine Office. The middle is flexible;  usually we say the Rosary but if anyone wants an alternative or additional form of prayer or devotion it can he accommodated.The first prayer group round Padre Pio consisted of five people. If we have five now we are doing quite well so why not give it a try. You will be most welcome - just turn up.

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