In 1947, at Padre Pio’s invitation, Prayer Groups were spontaneously springing up and taking on a more stable form; their sole desire was to pray and pray together. They were, if not officially, certainly in fact, the forerunners of the Prayer Groups we know today. They began as a support for the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza (House for the Relief of Suffering), and as a response to Padre Pio’s appeal: Never grow weary of praying. This is essential. Prayer penetrates the heart of God and obtains the graces needed… Without prayer, our House for the Relief of Suffering is somewhat like a plant without air and sun.