The Polish Padre Pio group, a testament to the vision and dedication of Fr. Wiesław Krupiński SJ, was established in 2003. His mission to spread the cult of St. Padre Pio led to the group’s formation. When Fr. Wiesław permanently moved to Poland, the Group found its home at St. Francis Borgia parish in 2004. The group’s chaplain was a priest from the Capuchin Order from 2004 to 2005. Fr. Piotr Gnoinski then served as the chaplain from 2005 to 2017, followed by other priests. In 2021, Fr. Marcin Szczypula Associate Pastor, took the Group under his wings.
From its modest start with around 80 members, the Padre Pio’s Group has grown significantly. The Group initially met every week, providing financial support to a family of 11 children until all the children had grown up, and also assisting other families in need. The Group’s generosity extended to the ‘Home for Relief of Suffering.’
Today, the Padre Pio group meets every Thursday of the month. Our Group and other worshippers gather at 6.30 pm in the church, praying the rosary while the sacrament of reconciliation is offered. At 7:00 pm, Mass is offered, followed by a novena to Padre Pio and veneration of his relics. While in prayer, we offer all our intentions to God through the intercession of our great saint – Padre Pio – because we truly believe, as Padre Pio said: “We must never set limits to God’s mercy. Always ask Him for the greatest grace.”
- Another aspect of the Padre Pio group is monthly formation meetings where:
we get to know Padre Pio’s history and what kind of man he was. He was so tender and affectionate, and he loved God and people. “We should always keep two virtues intact, namely: gentleness towards neighbor and holy humility before God.” St. Padre Pio - We learn how to deepen our faith in the spirituality of Padre Pio through the life and writings of Padre Pio
- where we learn about people who met Padre Pio and the big impact He had on their lives.
The newest tradition of our Group is the birthday celebration of Padre Pio, which we initiated in 2023. It is celebrated around May 25, Padre Pio was born on May 25, 1887, to acknowledge his life and spiritual legacy. The birthday celebration starts with a trilingual Mass followed by a reception in Stokes Center. We invite the whole parish for a variety of food, singing and a great atmosphere. Everyone who wants to come and celebrate Padre Pio’s birthday with us is invited because, as Padre Pio said: “Joy with peace is the sister of charity. Serve the Lord with laughter.”
St. Padre Pio, pray for all of us!
