On January 15th and 17th, the Pauline men and women religious celebrated the centenary of the arrival of the Pauline Family in Rome. In 1926, the first groups of young people departed from Alba, accompanied by Father Timothy Giaccardo and Maestra Amalia Peyrolo, with the desire to reach the heart of Christianity, strengthen their missionary zeal, and bring the Gospel to the world, following the example of Saint Paul.
The commemoration opened on January 15th at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls with a solemn Eucharistic concelebration presided over by Abbot Donato Ogliari. In his homily, beginning with the Gospel account of the healing of the leper, the abbot invited everyone to renew their bold and humble faith, which characterized the beginnings of the Pauline Family in Rome, lived in joy and evangelical poverty.
Messa – Centenario dell’arrivo a Roma dei Paolini e delle Paoline
On January 17, a morning of reflection was held in the auditorium of the Society of St. Paul, coordinated by Sister Nadia Bonaldo, FSP. Professor Andrea Riccardi presented the theme “From Rome to the World,” highlighting how the Pope’s presence in the city strengthened their Pauline missionary dimension. This was followed by historical contributions on the arrival and early years in Rome, and the approval of the Pious Society of St. Paul, as well as a presentation of recent archival publications.
Father Boguslaw Zeman, SSP, announced the opening of a new room in the Alberione Museum dedicated to the early Pauline period in Rome. Dr. Salvatore Cernuzio, a journalist for Vatican Media, concluded by emphasizing the urgency of authentic communication, capable of creating closeness, empathy, and peace, in the style indicated by the Popes.
In conclusion, Sister Mari Lucia Kim, Superior General of the Daughters of St. Paul, thanked the participants, recalling that the arrival in Rome was the first step in a mission that now extends to every continent. The celebration concluded with the blessing of an olive tree and a commemorative plaque, a lasting sign of this significant anniversary.
Convegno – Centenario dell’arrivo a Roma dei Paolini e delle Paoline