Pauline

 

 

Foundation in Italy

Blessed James Alberione founded the Daughters of St. Paul in Alba, Italy, in 1915. He chose a young seamstress, Teresa Merlo, to be the Co-Foundress of this new community of women and the first Mother General

When the first sisters pronounced their vows on July 22, 1922, Teresa asked the Founder what name she should take. He responded, “Take the name Thecla, the first disciple of St. Paul.” And so these first Daughters of St. Paul began what would become within 15 years a congregation spread throughout the world, with an innovative apostolate that was precisely what the Church needed in the 20th Century.

In 1931 sisters were sent from Italy to open new houses in Brazil and Argentina, and in 1932, the congregation was founded in the United States.

 

 

Foundation in the US

In June 1932, Mother Paula Cordero and the first Daughters of St. Paul stepped foot on U.S. shores to plant the Pauline charism in fertile North American soil.

Despite humble beginnings, other generous women felt the call to proclaim Christ the Master with the means of communication.

The fledgling community grew into the U.S. – English Speaking Canada province of the Daughters of St. Paul. Today the province numbers 140 sisters, communicating Christ in 15 Pauline Books and Media Centers, a publishing house, recording studios for music and radio, the screenwriting sector, The Pauline Center for Media Studies Center, JClub Book Fairs and website, and a virtual bookstore.

 

 

 

Daughters of St. Paul Today

Many young women, fired by the enthusiasm of youth and the important goal held out to them, have followed Fr. Alberione and Mother Thecla since the foundation of the Congregation. The FSPs are on the move because they have a mission to fulfill: to announce the Gospel in the important social context of communications.

Today the Daughters of St. Paul are present on five continents and in 50 nations, with a total of 260 communities worldwide. The Institute has 2,560 members and about 300 young women in formation.

 

 

Copyright 2009 by The Daughters of Saint Paul
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