Members of the local Padre Pio Prayer Group shared prayers, songs, and goodwill at their monthly gathering at Our Lady of Sorrows Church (OLS) on Sept. 18. Members participated in a morning of Eucharistic Adoration and benediction, praying the rosary, and worshipping during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The celebrant was Father Paul Asih, M. S. P., pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Bessemer. The feast day of Padre Pio, formally known as St. Pio of Pietrelcina, is Sept. 23. The local prayer group traces its roots to 1952 when Pope Pius XII called on Catholics to form prayer groups to fulfill the Virgin Mary’s request at Fatima for more prayer. Padre Pio answered the call by forming the Padre Pio Prayer Group. Members become spiritual children of Padre Pio, who is considered a 20th century St. Francis of Assisi. All Catholics of any age within the Birmingham diocese are welcome. The group meets monthly on the third Saturday at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. The church is located at 1728 Oxmoor Rd. in Homewood.