James Alberione facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BlessedJames Alberione S.S.P. |
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| Priest, religious founder and publisher | |
| Born | 4 April 1884 Fossano, Province of Cuneo, Kingdom of Italy |
| Died | 26 November 1971 (aged 87) |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church (Pauline Family) |
| Beatified | 27 April 2003 by Pope John Paul II |
| Feast | 26 November |
James Alberione (born Giacomo Alberione) was an Italian Catholic priest. He lived from 1884 to 1971. He is famous for starting many religious groups. These groups are part of what is called the Pauline Family. His main goal was to spread the Catholic faith. He did this by using modern ways of communication. This included things like books, movies, and radio.
Contents
Early Life and Calling
James Alberione was born on April 4, 1884. His family lived in a small town called San Lorenzo di Fossano, Italy. They were farmers, and James was the fourth of six children. He was not as strong as his brothers.
When he was 16, James went to the seminary in Alba. A seminary is a school where people study to become priests. His uncle, James, helped him pay for his studies. At the seminary, he had a special teacher named Canon Francesco Chiesa.
On the last night of 1900, James prayed for many hours. He felt a strong calling to help people in the new century. He wanted to do something important for the future.
Starting New Religious Groups
James Alberione became a priest on June 29, 1907. He later earned a special degree in theology. He went on to start ten different religious groups. These groups include congregations, institutes, and lay cooperators.
His main idea was to use modern technology. This included printing, radio, and television. He wanted to use these tools to share God's message. He also wanted to help people grow in their faith.
The Society of St. Paul
On August 20, 1914, James Alberione began his first big project. He started a small printing school. He had two teenagers, Desiderio Costa and Tito Armani, working there. A printer friend helped them learn the trade.
This small school grew into what is now called the Society of St. Paul. Its main purpose is to share the teachings of Jesus. They do this using all kinds of modern communication. This includes books, movies, TV, and radio.
Other Important Foundations
After starting the Society of St. Paul, James Alberione gathered a group of women in 1915. With the help of Mother Tecla Merlo, he founded the Daughters of St. Paul. This group is like the female version of the Society of St. Paul.
He then started many more groups:
- 1924: The Pious Disciples of the Divine Master (PDDM). These members focus on prayer and helping priests. They also prepare for church services.
- 1938: The Sisters of Jesus the Good Shepherd. They are also known as "Pastorelle." They work in schools and churches. They help teach people about religion.
- 1957: The Sisters of Mary Queen of Apostles. This group prays and works to encourage new people to join the Pauline Family.
- 1958: The Institute of St. Gabriel the Archangel. This is for lay men who want to live a religious life. They also spread the message like the Society of St. Paul.
- 1958: The Institute of Mary of the Annunciation. This is for lay women who also share the message of the Society of St. Paul.
- 1959: The Institute of Jesus the Priest. This group is for priests who want to follow Alberione's spiritual path.
- 1960: The Institute of the Holy Family. This group is for married couples.
- 1918: The Association of Pauline Cooperators. This group includes people who help the Pauline Family in their mission.
James Alberione also took part in the Second Vatican Council. This was a very important meeting for the Catholic Church. He was a "peritus," which means he was an expert. He helped shape the decisions made at the Council.
Death and Recognition
James Alberione passed away on November 26, 1971. He died in Rome, Italy. Just an hour before he died, Pope Paul VI visited him. He was buried in a church in Rome called Mary Queen of the Apostles.
The Catholic Church has recognized his holy life. He was declared "venerable" in 1996. Then, on April 27, 2003, he was "beatified" by Pope John Paul II. This means he is called "Blessed James Alberione."
Legacy
Blessed James Alberione left a lasting mark. He showed how important it is to use modern ways to share faith. His groups continue to use media to spread positive messages around the world.
See also
In Spanish: Santiago Alberione para niños
