4 April 1884 – 26 November 1971
"...the first apostle of the new evangelization." Pope John Paul II"Here he is, humble, silent, tireless, contained in his thoughts, which flows from prayer to work, always ready to read the signs of the times. Our Father Alberione has given the Church new instruments to express herself, new means to give vigour and new breadth to its apostolic mission....May the Pope, in the name of the whole Church, express its gratitude." Pope Paul VI
On December 31, 1900, during a special night of prayer before the Eucharist, the young seminarian James Alberione felt himself called to serve God and the people of the new century.
During that night,
he resolved to do something new and wonderful for the Church of the Twentieth Century. At the time, many were complaining about the "evils" of the bad "press" and an idea gradually 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. From then on, this invitation transformed and gave specific direction to his future life as a priest, apostle, and communicator of Christ.Following his
ordination to the priesthood, his call gradually became clearer, and a group of young boys under his direction began publishing the the diocesan newspaper in Alba, Gazzette d'Alba. It was the beginnings of the apostolate of the press to spread the gospel.Thus in 1914 the Society of St. Paul was born.
A year later, he founded a similar group for women, the Daughters of St. Paul.
His ideal, like that of St. Paul, was universal – all the means of modern communications were to be used so that all people would hear the Gospel.For this extraordinary mission, new apostles were needed (both men and women) who could dedicate themselves entirely to this service.
By the time of his death in 1971, Fr. James Alberione had founded ten institutes that are known today as the Pauline family.
On December 20, 2002, Pope John Paul II promulgated the decree for the beatification of Fr. James Alberione. His beatification took place on April 27, 2003 at St Peter’s Square in Rome.
Excerpts from Fr James Alberione’s writings
"In the morning, therefore, let us place ourselves at the Master's feet and say to Him, 'Jesus, you are the Way, I want to walk in Your footsteps; You are the Truth, enlighten me, You are the Life, give me grace.' "
"Master, Your life maps out the path for me, Your doctrine confirms and makes steady my footsteps, Your grace sustains and upholds me on the journey to heaven."
"How many times have you considered the question: "Where is humanity going? How is it going? Toward what goal is humanity headed? This humanity that is continually renewing itself on the face of the earth?" "
"No greater wealth can be given to this poor and proud world, than Jesus Christ. The world has need of Jesus Christ Way, Truth and Life."
