Blessed James Alberione
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 vigor 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 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. 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, to use the press to spread the gospel.
Thus in 1914 was born the Society of St. Paul.
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.
Prayer through the intercession of Blessed James Alberione
Lord, glorify Blessed James Alberione
in your Church.
Let him be for all of us light,
Guide and support the work of
our sanctification and in our apostolate.
Open the way for evangelisation
so that the presence of Jesus Master,
the Way, the Truth and the Life
may shine on the world through Mary,
Mother and Queen of the Apostles.
Grant me the grace I am praying for….
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be….
Jesus Master, the Way, the Truth and the Life, have mercy on us.
Mary, Queen of the Apostles, pray for us.
Saint Paul the Apostle, pray for us
From all sin, deliver us O Lord.
Those who obtain graces and favours through the intercession of Blessed James Alberione, are kindly asked to contact us.
