A group of women inspired by St. Pio of Pietrelcina’s deep devotion to prayer gathers weekly at the Padre Pio Foundation of America in Cromwell to pray for others.
“We pray from our hearts to Padre Pio,” says prayer warrior Donna Morales of Cromwell. “He’s drawing me here and we pray for the needs of the community. It’s a calling.”
For the past 20 years, Morales and three other women have been the core group of the Padre Pio Prayer Group which meets three mornings each week. Surrounded by statues, artwork and holy relics of St. Pio, they pray together, share intentions and support one another in faith in Our Blessed Mother of the Holy Innocents Chapel on the campus of the Padre Pio Foundation of America.
The group remembers in prayer all daily intentions left by guests to the Foundation, those who leave them on the website or call them in, says Julie Fitts Ritter, executive director of the Foundation. “We get letters and calls from all around the world asking for prayers,” she says. “Our prayer group is powerful.”
Through his intercessions, St. Pio of Pietrelcina, widely known as Padre Pio, has been celebrated for extreme physical healings, conversion, renewal of faith, and spiritual and temporal blessings. His spiritual advice centers on his signature catchphrases: “Pray, hope, and don’t worry” and “Worry is useless.” The saint also advised that “prayer is the best weapon we have.”
Born on May 25, 1887, in southern Italy, St. Pio is considered a notable saint. Entering the novitiate of the Capuchin friars when he was 15, he suffered both physically and spiritually. The five wounds of Christ’s Passion appeared on his body on Sept. 20, 1918.
“Our prayer group is powerful,” says Maria Pata of Cromwell, adding that prayers are extended to Pope Leo XIV, priests, the souls in purgatory, an increase in vocations and many other intentions. “Once you leave you feel peaceful.”
Deep personal prayer routines remain a priority for the women apart from the group. “We continue our prayers outside of here,” says Berlin resident Luanne Gagliardi. “We’re bonded in a spiritual sense. What is most rewarding is you see the fruits of your prayer.”
The Padre Pio Foundation of America invites visitors to explore holy relics, artwork and statues of St. Pio and other saints and then join in prayer in the Foundation’s Blessed Mother of the Holy Innocents Chapel. PHOTO BY KAREN A. AVITABILE
For Marie Sorensen of Berlin, the prayer group “keeps us grounded in our faith,” she says, adding it is an opportunity to be part of a larger community. Outside of their prayer sessions, the women have become friends and get together socially.
For the past 15 years, Father William Trauba, a Capuchin priest from Mexico, has served as spiritual director of the Prayer Group. He participates virtually in the prayer sessions on Wednesdays. “We pray from our hearts to Padre Pio,” he says.
The Foundation, at 463 Main St., in Cromwell, is open Mondays through Fridays and on the first Saturday of each month. Visitors are invited to take part in the Padre Pio Prayer Group on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., in Our Blessed Mother of the Holy Innocents Chapel. Also, visitors may pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet in the chapel Mondays through Fridays, from 3 to 3:30 p.m.
On Sept. 23, 1968, St. Pio died in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy. He was canonized on June 16, 2002. To mark his feast day on Sept. 23, a Mass will take place at 11 a.m. in Our Lady, Queen of the Apostles Chapel on the campus of nearby Holy Apostles College & Seminary in Cromwell. Refreshments will follow at the Foundation. To R.S.V.P. or for more information, visit padrepio.com/events or call 860.635.4996.
Story and photos by Karen A. Avitabile
Catholic Transcript