At the turn of the 20th century, James Alberione, a young seminarian in northern Italy, knelt in adoration before the Eucharist. In his own words he narrates what took place that night: "A special light came from the Host, a greater understanding of the invitation extended by Jesus: 'Come to me, all of you...'"

Alberione heard an invitation that would transform and give specific direction to his future life as a priest, apostle, and communicator of Christ. John Paul II has referred to him as "the first apostle of the new evangelization." He began 10 institutes which are known today as the Pauline Family. Together the members of the Pauline Family spread God's Word using the fastest and most effective means furnished by technology: the press, radio, cinema, and television.

A young woman, Theresa, joined him as the first Daughter of St. Paul and soon came to be called Mother Thecla, after St. Paul's first woman disciple. Mother Thecla led the new congregation for the rest of her life, and helped shape the particular spirit and new apostolate of these sisters dedicated to evangelization with all the means technology would provide.

Blessed Timothy Giaccardo, the first member of the Pauline Family to be raised to the altars, has a special place in each Pauline's heart. As a young boy, Fr. Alberione picked him out and sent him to the seminary. Eventually he became not only Alberione's right hand and a primary figure in the interpretation of the Pauline charism, he was in a special way instrumental in the life of the congregation of the Pious Disciples of the Divine Master, the third community founded by Alberione.