Members of the Padre Pio Prayer Group celebrated by sharing prayers, songs, food, and fellowship at their monthly gathering at Our Lady of Sorrows Church (OLS). On Sept.17, they 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 Eric Gami, associate pastor of OLS. The group anticipated the Sept. 23 feast day of Padre Pio by enjoying a potluck lunch after Mass. The local prayer group traces its roots to 1952 when Pope Pius XII urged Catholics to form prayer groups to satisfy the Virgin Mary’s request at Fatima for more prayer. This inspired Padre Pio, formally known as St. Pio of Pietrelcina, to form the Padre Pio Prayer Group. Members become his spiritual children. All Catholics of the Birmingham diocese are welcome to join the group. It meets the third Saturday monthly at 10 a.m. at OLS, 1728 Oxmoor Road in Homewood. New members of any age are welcomed.