4600 Belle Terre Parkway · Palm Coast, FL 32164 · 386-445-2246 ·

MARIAN GROUP:  a Padre Pio Group

Barbara Stephens, (386) 445-1564

One of more than 3000 such groups in the world, this group was formed at the suggestion and urging of Padre Pio in response to the repeated requests of the Pope. Each group is required to be moderated by a priest, its spiritual director. The National Center in Barto, PA and the Prayer Groups Center in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy provide a link between the Cardinal Secretary of State and the Holy See. Two monthly magazines provide much additional information on the activities of groups throughout the world while also enhancing the spiritual growth of members.

Part of each meeting is devoted to prayer during which we thank the Lord for St. Pio, who was declared a saint in 2002, and invoke his aid for many special intentions. The rich spirituality of Padre Pio is studied and practiced by members who are urged to pray daily for our Holy Father, the church, the hierarchy, our parish, the sick and dying, and the souls in Purgatory. A lending library provides additional knowledge of the famed stigmatist and his unusual life.

In addition to prayer and the distribution of spiritual information, the group participates in several worthwhile endeavors including the collection of postal stamps for the Franciscan missions, making of brown scapulars for distribution to world missions, and monetary assistance to the works of Padre Pio.

This group meets monthly on the first Friday from September through June following the 8:30 am Mass. Two or more times each year, the group meets for social activities to encourage friendship among members and their families.