SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO START A Saint PIO PRAYER GROUP
The catechism taught us that Prayer is the raising up of the mind and heart to God. This being the case, then prayer must be a thinking process. The Saint Pio Prayer Groups are so structured as to meet all of the needs of the Church. This must be done in a wholesome, heartfelt way and to help you as much as I can, I have mapped out a few guidelines. To make our prayers heartfelt is really simple, we just look into the heart, to our lives and the experience we have known and see how it is like the life of Christ. If we see no resemblance then these are the areas where change is needed. Little gospel reflections and Rosary meditations have been prepared for you to assist in a small way. These can be ordered as needed.
The nature of the Groups: The spirituality of the Groups is Franciscan, and we try to follow the example of Padre Pio and live a good and holy life, prayer being the foundation on which we build.
The Aims: To pray for all the Church’s needs which include, of course, the need to reach out to those living in darkness, the lapsed and those searching for truth. Full details are available on all Prayer Group application forms.
1. Opening prayer to the Holy Spirit.
2. Gospel reading and sharing by whoever feels comfortable to join in.
3. Learning to meditate on the Rosary and pray the decades. We sometimes take a decade on a weekly basis so as to fully investigate its meaning in our lives.
4. Prayers for the needs of the Church, Our Holy Father, Priests, religious etc.,
5. Praise and thanksgiving and petitions for the sick and needy and personal needs.
6. Prayer of Consecration to Our Blessed Lady.
7. Relic Leaflet: praying to Saint Pio for Spiritual help and guidance.
8. Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel and our Guardian Angels.
9. Holy Souls and final prayer to Our Lady under the title of the Prayer Group.
10. Devotion to the Divine Mercy.
Spiritual Director
House Groups do not always have the advantage of a priest being present. Any Group can register under Father Paschal Burlinson, O.F.M.Cap. who is the Spiritual Director of the U.K. Saint Pio Prayer Groups.
Prayer Cards and Leaflets
Most people have their own favourite prayers, however, Prayer Cards can be made available with Prayers for Priests, St. Michael Prayer and Holy Spirit Prayer if required.
The secret of a successful Prayer Group is “ keep it simple”. I hope that Gospel reflections and Rosary Meditations which are being prepared will assist in helping you to draw upon your own experience of life and unite it with the life of Jesus and Mary. This helps us to make the transition from “saying prayers” to “Praying Prayers”.
Finally, the Prayer Groups are Family Groups. Try always to keep a good warm atmosphere and a nice cup of tea at the meetings never goes amiss.
Please feel free to contact me at anytime if you need any help.
God Bless You and may Saint Pio always intercede for you,
Love and Prayers,
Josephine
U. K. Prayer Group Secretary.
Tel./Fax No: 01462 434038
Between 10 a.m.- 12 noon and 3p.m. - 6 p.m.
Web-Site: WWW.Padrepio.org.uk/
Saint Pio of Pietrelcina says:
‘PRAY, HOPE and DON’T WORRY!’
INVITATION TO PRAYER
Saint Pio was a living image of Christ crucified, and as such was a great master of prayer. He felt its super – human power so profoundly that he wished to make it easier for his beloved spiritual children, and, as it were, leave it to them as a special legacy. To all who sought his help in times of distress he would say, “ Pray, Hope and Don’t Worry.’
He taught that prayer is indispensable in a Christian’s life. We cannot be true Christians without prayer. He would say,
“ When we are seized with doubt, with anguish or with sorrow, then we have to turn to the Lord in prayer more than ever and find support and encouragement from it.”
He used to say, “ Prayer is the best weapon we have. It is a key opening God’s Heart.”
In the early 1950’s when the Casa Solliero della Sofferenza ( Home for the Relief of Suffering ) was being built out of the enormous donations given by pilgrims to Saint Pio, he was often asked by those who were too poor to give much or any money, “ What can I do to help?” Saint Pio’s answer was simple:
“ Pray together – but always with direction”. So the Saint Pio Prayer Groups began. The directions are simple:-
To pray (1) for God’s Will;
(2) for the Pope;
(3) for the relief of suffering in mind, spirit and body;
(4) to obtain permission from the Parish Priest for the establishment of the Group;
(5) to meet monthly under the direction of a Spiritual Director; ( If your Parish Priest or any other priest or religious is unable to act as Spiritual Director, Father Paschal Burlinson, OFM CAP. will be acting Spir. Dir. until a local priest is available);
(6) to exercise filial obedience to Holy Mother Church;
(7) to register the Group with the Secretary of the Saint Pio Prayer Groups in the United Kingdom.
The gift of prayer is given by Almighty God. As much as you renounce your own will, your love of body and self, in the same measure you progress in simplicity and receive the gifts of His Sacred Heart.
Participators in Prayer Groups are asked to concern themselves most particularly with those who live in darkness – perhaps because they have refused to recognise Christ as He really is: all Love and Mercy.
We hope that the above information will enable more and more Prayer Groups to be established under the protection and guidance of Padre Pio. However, there is one enormous and ever – increasing prayer group that all can join which Padre Pio referred to as his own Prayer Group, that of joining all his spiritual children all over the world twice a day to say the Angelus at twelve and six o’clock. In that way the world has a constantly meeting prayer group meditating on the Incarnation, Passion and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ. “ Pray, Hope and Don’t Worry “ SAINT PIO
The monthly Prayer Group meeting consists of, ideally, the Sacrifice of the Mass, and hymns and prayers suitable for each month or liturgical season. When it is not possible to have Mass, then New Testament readings and talks suitable for each month should be substituted, together with Bidding Prayers, short periods of meditation following the Readings, and recitation of the Rosary or Way of the Cross.
Prayer Cards are available and if you require any, please state the number and enclose a small donation to cover costs.
ENROLMENT FORM
NAME OF GROUP LEADER.............................………………………………………
ADDRESS...........................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
POST CODE..............................………………TEL.NO:............................…………………….
NAME OF SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR ( if any )…………………………………………
NAME OF PARISH PRIEST……………………………………………………………
ADDRESS:..........................................................................………………………………
POST CODE………………………………………………………………………………
Average number in Group.............
Any help required?...............
______Relic Card and Sacred Heart Novena, 10p.each
______First Friday Chart. 10p each
I enclose a donation to cover these costs______
SAINT JOSEPH’S ROSARY PRAYER:
In the name of God the Father, you Saint Joseph, have been called father of Jesus and therefore our father as well. To you we consecrate our life and our mission in that life. We ask you to intercede for us before Our Lord and that you intercede for the Holy Catholic Church and her salvation. Please intercede for us within our prayer and take it to the Lord.
You, husband of Mary, who are chaste, just, prudent and humble; make these glorious virtues within you, blossom in our spirit, for the glory of God in this world.
Make us loving and docile, tender and gentle, with our children, our families and with our brothers and sisters, in Him who is God Almighty. That like you, always at one with the Holy Spirit, you were able to disappear in the silence of love; pray that we, like you, may remain unnoticed and disappear as well in that silence, so that it is the Holy Spirit Who acts in us with you, through Christ Our Lord. Amen. ROSARY:
Opening Prayer:
Oh, St. Joseph, who held in your hands the wood which came into contact with your Son and in His death, brought us our salvation: Teach us to walk in this world along God’s path.
INSTEAD OF THE MYSTERIES, THE FOLLOWING IS SAID:
[1] For the time you spent waiting for Mary, give us the virtue to wait patiently in silence; that is, teach us the science of peace.
[2] For accepting before marriage to live a chaste life with Mary, give us the virtue to live in purity and chastity.
3] For accepting the paternity of Jesus, give us the virtue of only doing God’s Will.
[4] For the day in which you left all to save your Son, give us the virtue to do what God asks of us to do and to live like you in Holy obedience.
[5] For the day in which you found your Son speaking with wisdom and you remained silent, give us the virtue to remain silent and learn to hear he who speaks in the name of the Lord
AFTER EACH OF THE ABOVE, RECITE:
One Our Father- five Hail Mary’s- and one Glory Be. Instead of the Fatima prayer recite the following:
Loving Saint Joseph, cause faith to grow in me….that I may seek in that faith….hope and charity.
AT THE END OF THE ROSARY, THE FOLLOWING PRAYER IS RECITED:
You, Saint Joseph, Patron of families, protector of the Church, defender of childhood and faithful guardian of mothers, help us to receive grace and through this grace to reach the glorious virtues of your heart, in chastity, in prudence, in justice and humility, Amen.
LASTLY RECITE:
We pray for the intentions and good health of our Holy Father the Pope, so that he may lead us to the triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary; One Our Father, three Hail Mary’s, one Glory Be.
Loving Saint Joseph, cause faith to grow in me….that I may seek in that faith….hope and charity.
The Rosary
In the process of learning to pray the Rosary, heartfelt prayer can only, of course, come from that which we know and feel in our own hearts. Uniting our lives with Mary’s experience of life can be a rewarding way to meditate on the mysteries and thus we can join in prayer; anything that is joined is united. If we do no more than mention the names of the decades, then surely we separate ourselves from the Gospel experience. Below are a few simple meditations to illustrate my meaning, perhaps they may be of help to you so that you will in turn find it easier to relate to Mary and Jesus in your own life.
THE JOYFUL MYSTERIES
Consider that Mary gets up one day, a day like any other day, but before it came to its close her whole life’s course had changed, the very history of the world was to change and this was because of Mary’s Fiat. ‘Dear Mary, you said to the Angel, “ What can these words mean?” or were you perhaps thinking aloud? I often wonder what heaven’s message in the Gospel means in this day and age? Teach me Holy Mary how to ponder, how to listen and especially how to say my “Yes” to the Father.
The Visitation St.Luke 1: 39 - 56
Mary, even though you had much on your mind and were facing a situation which must have left you feeling slightly bewildered, your first thoughts were for your cousin and her needs. Already you had died to self; teach me how to fill the needs of the servant role and how to bring Jesus to my relatives, friends and neighbours so that hearts may leap with joy.
The Birth of Jesus St. Luke 2: 1 – 20; Matthew 1: 18 – 2 : 23
Dear Mary and Joseph, my heart it seems has often been likened to the Inn. I have not always had room for you as pride, fear and anger have fully occupied its chambers. Help me to get rid of all worldly things so that room in my heart can be made for the souls most delightful guests. Help me to conceive and bring to birth truth in my life.
The Presentation St. Luke 2: 22 - 39
Mary, please show me how to co – operate in the purification of my soul, so that when my time comes to die, like Simon, I may say, “ Now Master, you can let your servant die in peace.” Teach me Mary, how to die to self.
The Finding of the Child Jesus St. Luke 2: 41 - 52
Mary and Joseph help me to make the journey into my heart, show me the steps I must retrace so that I too may find Him at the place where I left Him to journey alone. Help the journey we are making with our Saint Pio Prayer Groups to be blest with your loving care and bring us comfort and peace.
MYSTERIES OF LIGHT’ or ‘LUMINOUS MYSTERIES
In these we contemplate the mysteries of Jesus’ public ministry as follows:
The Baptism of Jesus Matthew 3:16-17
As soon as Jesus was baptized He came up from the water, and suddenly the heavens opened and He saw the Spirit, descending like a dove and coming down on Him.
3:17 And a voice spoke from heaven, 'This is my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on him'.
The Marriage Feast of Cana JN 2:1-11
Jesus opens the hearts of His disciples to Faith: Three days later there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee. The mother of Jesus was there. This was the first of the signs given by Jesus: it was given at Cana in Galilee. He let his glory be seen, and his disciples believed in him.
His preaching of the Kingdom of God Mark 1: 1-2 Matthew 5.
Jesus begins to preach which calls for our conversion and reconciliation with God.
1:14 After John had been arrested, Jesus went into Galilee. There He proclaimed the Good News from God.
1:15 'The time has come' He said 'and the kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent, and believe the Good News.'
His Transfiguration Matthew 17: 1-8
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone.
17:2 There in their presence He was transfigured: His face shone like the sun and His clothes became as white as the light.
17:8 And when they raised their eyes they saw no one but only Jesus.where His Godhead is manifested.
The Institution of the Eucharist Matthew 26:26 –29
Now as they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and when He had said the blessing He broke it and gave it to the disciples. 'Take it and eat;' He said 'this is my body.'
26:27 Then He took a cup, and when He had returned thanks He gave it to them. 'Drink all of you from this,' He said
26:28 'for this is my blood, the blood of the covenant, which is to be poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
The Agony in the Garden Matthew 26: 36 – 46; Mark 14: 32 – 42; Luke 22: 39 - 46
Often Jesus I have had to suffer alone and my mind has been troubled, but unlike you, I am more likely to complain than to turn to my Father with your kind of willingness to
accept my suffering. Teach me how to reach points of acceptance and take all that I may suffer, all my future agonies of mind and unite them to your own suffering for the good of souls.
The Scourging Matthew 27: 24 – 26; Mark 15: 15; John 19: 1
“ Whatever you do to the least of my brothers you do unto me”. Dear Jesus, how often have I denied your truth in its varying forms. How often have I scourged my brother, and so scourged you, with whiplash of my tongue? Please forgive me and help me to change my life.
The Crowning with Thorns Matthew 27: 27 – 31; Mark 15: 16 – 20; John 19: 2 - 6
How sharp those thorns that pierced your Sacred Head. Dear Jesus, thoughts, ideas often spring to mind of ways I could help another and perhaps relieve suffering but how often I recoil from the thought of the involvement and often do nothing. At such times little thorns prick my conscience. Help me to have a new attitude, to think true and ACT upon, without hesitation, your good ideas.
The Carrying of the Cross Luke 23: 26 - 30
Jesus, how could I live my life, how could I manage especially in times of sickness and grave anxiety if you did not help me? As Simon helped you by coming to your aid, then I too must learn to be a Simon. Grant that I may quickly learn to be a source of help to all those I come into contact with who are heavily burdened, and teach me your kind of willingness to ease their heavy load.
The Crucifixion Matthew 27: 32 – 55; Mark 15: 22 – 39; Luke23: 32 – 49; John 19: 17 - 37
You are the Way, the Truth and the Life. Every time Truth penetrates, nails are hit on the head. Each opening that was made in your body caused you unimaginable pain. Help me not to be afraid of opening up to you, no matter how painful the truth I must face in my life may be, help me to face it. Dear Jesus, teach me how to be real and to help our fellow Prayer Group members in their times of need.
THE GLORIOUS MYSTERIES
The Resurrection Matthew 28: 1 – 20; Mark 16: 9 – 18; Luke 24; John 20,21
The Psalms say of the wicked that “Their mouths are like yawning graves ready to swallow up the Truth”. Grant sweet Jesus that I may never be found guilty of denying that which I know to be true. Never to fall into the sin of hiding truth under a big stone. May your truth, that rises to mind, forever be my delight, my hope and my joy.
The Ascension Mark 16: 19 – 20; Acts 1: 6 - 11
May my eyes be forever lifted up to the things of heaven. Teach me Jesus how to pray and through the most pure heart of Mary may my praise ascend to the heights.
The Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles Acts 2: 1 - 21
How do you become an Apostle, Jesus? Please show me as you showed the fishermen whom you chose to be your first followers. Grant that the Shadow of your wings may cover me and that your Holy word may burn in my heart and be ever on my tongue.
The Assumption of Our Lady into Heaven Apoc 12: 1; 1 Cor 15: 54 - 57
Dear Mother Mary, pray for us and ask Jesus that we may die in His favour so as to rise on the last day body and soul into heaven, and thus share in your Glorious Assumption.
Crowning of Mary Queen of Angels Apoc 7: 2 – 4, 9 – 14; John 3: 1 – 3; Matthew 5: 1 - 12
Dear Mother Most Admirable, please take all that I do and say and purify it. Please may the work of my hands be a worthy offering to you. May the work of Saint Pio Prayer Groups be crowned with sweet success and may your Holy Angels be ever at your side.