Every November 26, the Catholic Church commemorates Blessed James Alberione (1884-1971), founder of the Pauline Family and the International Catholic Bible Society.
Alberione is considered “Patron of the Internet and communications”, along with other saints such as Saint Louis Gonzaga, Saint Francis of Assisi and, more recently, Blessed Carlo Acutis, who will be canonized in 2025. The reason for this very current patronage can be traced in the blessed’s own words, spoken shortly before he died: “From the Father’s House, I will worry about communicators and all those who work with the most modern and effective means.”
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“I want to be a priest”
Santiago Alberione was born in San Lorenzo di Fossano, Cúneo (Italy) in 1884. Since he was a child he showed great curiosity and determination. At school he was one of the most enthusiastic when it came to things of faith. It is worth bringing up that story in which one of his teachers asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up and he – surprising more than one – answered: “I want to be a priest.”
At the age of 16 he entered the seminary of Alba (Piedmont) and met Canon Francisco Chiesa, who was his spiritual guide for 46 years. Challenged by the encyclical Although the future is looking forwarda reflection on the future from the figure of Jesus Christ the Redeemer, by Leo XIII (p. 1878-1903), Alberione would spend the night in prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament and confirm God’s call to the priesthood. Santiago wanted to be part of that Church that, faithful to tradition, faces the future, which sometimes appears bleak.
“A new ardor, new methods and new expressions” (Saint John Paul II)
In 1907, already ordained, in the midst of pastoral work and study, Santiago understood something else in his life: that God certainly called him to announce the Gospel, but that this announcement had to be done in a new way. Inspired by the figure of Saint Paul, who preached in the Areopagus, he was attracted to the idea of proclaiming Christ through modern media.
Thus, in August 1914, Father Alberione founded the Pious Society of Saint Paul, giving rise to what would later be known as the “Pauline family.” Then other foundations would come: the Congregation of the Daughters of Saint Paul, the Pious Disciples of the Divine Master, the Sisters of Jesus the Good Shepherd and the Regina Apostolorum Institute. To these were added the institutes of consecrated secular life San Gabriel Arcángel, Virgen de la Annunciación, Jesús Sacerdote and Santa Familia. In total, ten institutions were established, among which the Pauline Cooperators are also counted.
New evangelization
Father Alberione was a great promoter of the printing of popular editions of the Bible and various texts of Catholic, liturgical and pastoral training.
Due to his growing apostolate, the blessed had a close relationship with the papacy. In 1962 he was invited to participate in the Second Vatican Council by Saint John XXIII, who said of him: “This is a great man of God.” On the other hand, at the end of his days, he received a visit from his friend, Pope Saint Paul VI.
Blessed James Alberione left for the Father’s House on November 26, 1971 – just over half a century ago – and was beatified by Saint John Paul II in 2003, on the day of the Solemnity of Divine Mercy. After his beatification, he was named Patron of Communications and the Internet.
Central Editorial
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