Orsola Rivata (Sister Mary Scholastica) was born in Guarene, in Italy's Piemonte region, on July 12, 1897. Her family, work, and parish were all areas which provided a fertile environment in preparation for her total consecration to the Lord,which she ardently desired.

Her meeting with Father James Alberione, who had already founded the Society of St. Paul, the Daughters of St. Paul, and the Pauline Cooperators, was a turning point for her vocation and mission. It was Father Alberione who accepted Orsola into the Pauline Family on July 29, 1922. He already had in mind the foundation of a new religious family, one which "would completely belong to Jesus the Divine Master, and might become a source of grace from which other religious families--especially those more dedicated to apostolic life--could draw." Orsola Rivata was one of the first eight young women chosen for the new foundation, the Pious Disciples of the Divine Master. On the feast of St. Scholastica, Orsola took the name of that saint and committed her life to God through the hands of the Founder, for a contemplative-apostolic vocation and mission: to live in the Church, in communion with the sisters, at the service of the Eucharist, the Priesthood, and the Liturgy.

Father Alberione entrusted the new community to Sister Mary Scholastica. She responded with a life-long gift of self; in her own words: "To offer my day and my life to God in love; for priests, religious, missionaries, in particular for the Pauline Family, so that they may be numerous and holy in the Church and may reach the whole of humanity with their ministry and apostolate."

The early years of the community's existence were difficult. It was especially challenging for the sisters to be recognized as a congregation distinct from the Daughters of St. Paul, who were also struggling to obtain Papal recognition. Sister Mary Scholastica received the special support of Blessed Timothy Giaccardo in this task. Just a week before Giaccardo's death, the Decree of Praise was issued for the Pious Disciples of the Divine Master. Blessed Timothy sent Sister Scholastica the good news by telegram. It was January 12, 1948.

Sister Mary Scholastica continued to guide the young congregation as a real mother. Her earthly journey ended on March 24, 1987, during Evening Prayer I of the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. The canonical Process for her canonization was opened in Alba, Italy, on March 13, 1993.

Prayer

O Divine Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we adore you and we thank you because, in your infinite wisdom, you chose our time in which to call Sister Mary Scholastica Rivata. A devoted and faithful disciple of Jesus Master Way, Truth and Life, she was the first of many women to fulfill the particular vocation and mission to be at the service of the Eucharist, the Priesthood,and the Liturgy.

If it accords with your divine will, we ask you to glorify her so that we may have a patroness in Heaven who will incite us to be "members who, in Christ, are active and working in the Church."

About the Pious Disciples of the Divine Master

They are a religious Congregtion of pontifical right, founded in Alba, Italy, on February 10, 1924, by Ven. Father James Alberione.

The Pious Disciples of the Divine Master are part of the Pauline Family; in other words, part of the complex of religious and apostolic institutes founded by Father Alberione. In communion of spirit, the Pauline Family is called "to live Jesus Christ and to serve the Church."

The essence of the Pious Disciples' life is Jesus Master, Way, Truth, and Life. He has called them to follow him and to proclaim him to the world through their Eucharistic-Priestly-Liturgical Apostolate.

Of primary importance for this religious family is perpetual Eucharistic adoration; it is the linch-pin of each sister's life and mission.

The service of priestly collaboration is fulfilled in the spirit of the Virgin Mary, Disciple and Mother.

Committed to an intense liturgical life, they strive to convey this to those who believe in Christ as well as to those who do not yet know him. Their ministry is also carried out in the various forms of liturgical art: painting, sculpture, architecture, music, etc.

The Pious Disciples are located in five continents, in 27 nations.

Pioneers of the Pauline Family | Venerable James Alberione | Blessed Timothy Giaccardo
Venerable Thecla Merlo | Mother Paula Cordero
Venerable Maggiorino Vigolungo | Venerable Andrew Borello
Venerable Francis Chiesa | Servant of God Mother Scholastica