Society of St. Paul • Philippine-Macau Province

 

Fr James Alberione founded the Society of St. Paul in 1914 to carry out a  communicaions mission for the Church. His vision, spirituality, dynamic energy and profound insights have affected every aspect of the life of the Pauline Family.

During the night between the centuries, December 31, 1900, the young seminarian,  James Alberione along with his fellow  students gathered in the Cathedral of  Alba Italy. During that night, he resolved to do something new and wonderful for the  Church of Twentieth Century. At the time, many were complaining about the "evils"  of the bad "press" and slowly an idea  arose in his fertile mind that the press should  be utilized for good and the human spirit nurtured by the truth and wisdom of the Gospel.

His spirituality was recognized early on and he was appointed spiritual director of the seminary. There he saw the need of training priests in new and effective ways  of pastoral ministry. Something beyond the traditional pulpit was needed to reach those  who never attended church and who knew  nothing about the faith.

He first founded a printing school for boys. A place where youngsters could learn a trade and produce some  good literature while they were doing it. In 1914, he founded the Society of  St. Paul a religious congregation  dedicated to the the communications Apostolate. The first religious profession of members took place in Alba Italy  on October 5, 1921.

The congregation grew at an amazing  speed. The work was such that Fr. Alberione realized it could not be handled by men alone. In 1915 he founded the Daughters of St. Paul to carry out the communications mission in close cooperation with the Society of St. Paul.

Blessed Timothy Giaccardo was formed by Father Alberione and was his chief supporter. This holy priest, has been declared "Blessed" and is one step away from cannonization. Working with men like Fr. Giaccardo and  demonstrating tirelesss energy, and a zeal for the Church, Fr. Alberione founded five religious congregations, four aggregated institutes, and organized the Pauline cooperators.

He moved the Society of St. Paul's headquarters from Alba Italy to Rome and from Rome sent his most able members around the world to found the congregation in as many countries as possible.

The story of all these foundations is filled with heroism and self sacrifice. The fruit that was reaped for the Church is incalculable. In 1971 Father Alberione died. Pope Paul VI was at his bedside praying in thanksgiving in the name of the whole Church for God's gift to us of this extraordinary man.

He has been declared venerable by the Church and all the branches of the Pauline Family are confident that one day he will be officially declared a Saint.