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  The History of the Society
tied to the Charism of Founder

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.

 
     
     
 

A Desire to serve the people
of the New Century.

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.
     
     
     

Where does God want you to go today?

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Copyright © 1998 by the Society of St. Paul. All rights reserved.
Revised: 1 July 1999 14:39:43 Eastern Standard Time.