On November 22, the Feastday of St. Cecilia, patron of musicians, the Paoline Editoriale Audiovisivi (Pauline Audiovisuals Editorial) celebrated its first 60 years of life – a special occasion to remember its history, and at the same time, to identify the “score” for future prospects.
A bit of history. In 1953, the Daughters of St. Paul, urged by Blessed James Alberione, began making music records. Sr. Livia Sabatti, the director of the Pauline Audiovisuals recalls: “The beginnings were humble and full of difficulties, but they were also marked by much faith and the conviction that the “language” of sound and music possesses great potential in the service of evangelization.
The first records were produced to accompany the catechetical short films since these had no sound then; this is the reason that the first catalogue, dated 1954, is called “Saint Paul Short Films.” Next, the record production separated from the film production and assumed its own configuration under the name, “Records Center.” Taking advantage of the wave of the liturgical reform promoted by Vatican II, the Records Center started concentrating on two different genres: Italian liturgical songs, and a repertoire of Christian songwriters. As the years passed, further steps were taken. Finally, in 1994, with the advent of the new Paoline editorial logo, the Center for musical productions changed its name to Paoline Editoriale Audiovisivi (Pauline Audiovisuals Editorial).
Today, with the development of the Web, our record production has opened up to new channels. “The instruments have changed,” says Sr. Livia, “but the mission is always the same: to contribute to the human and Christian growth of individuals. Following the pastoral guidelines of the Church, and always vigilant to the changes taking place in society, we seek to accompany the journey of people today, and fulfill the vocation to speak to everyone. With music as well.”