The Guardian Angels Padre Pio prayer group in Wynnum, Brisbane has long claimed an extra reason for fervent thanks to the Capuchin St Pio of Pietrelcina. It relates to what members believe is the miraculous cure from lung cancer of a relative of one of the founders.
However, this is really only "the icing on the cake", as inaugural member Von Davey explained. "The group as it stands today is very united, more like a family really," Von said.
"Our devotion to Padre Pio links us very closely together and we support each other through life's difficulties and share each other's joys as well."
At the heart of this nearly 20-strong "family" is a family, Von said. She and her brother Denis, from Wynnum, are regulars in the eight-year-old prayer group, with brothers Kevin from Brighton, Pat from Kilcoy and Kevin's daughter Cathy from Wavell Heights attending when possible.
Von's late cousin Eileen Harnett started the prayer group in her Wynnum home in 2003 with fellow parishioner Patrick Hayes within a year of Padre Pio's canonisation.
Twelve people initially met once a month, with Capuchin Father Francis Merlino as spiritual director. Monthly meetings later moved to the St Joseph the Worker Church at Hemmant and included Mass. A special annual Mass on the Saturday closest to Padre Pio's feast day on September 23 quickly became a tradition.
Fr Merlino was also able to locate a relic from a glove Padre Pio wore to cover his stigmata. This relic and a picture of the saint are displayed in Guardian Angels' Church at prayer meetings, which have been held there since early last year. The prayer group was officially constituted in 2005.
Eileen had a great interest in Padre Pio long before his beatification, after which her devotion only intensified, Von said. Mrs Harnett's devotion inspired her non-Catholic daughter-in-law Daphney Harnett.
FULL STORY Grateful for St Pio's assistance (The Catholic Leader)