The latest book in the Alberionian Opera Omnia series, To the Daughters of St. Paul, has just rolled off the press. The volume is a collection of the preachings of Blessed James Alberione to the Daughters of St. Paul in 1958. During the course of this year, the Founder urged the FSPs to launch new apostolic projects, his wise words enriching the first congresses held for the sisters who worked in the book centers and St. Paul Film Agencies, and also those who carried out the “propaganda” apostolate.
Alberione took advantage of these occasions to emphasize the invaluable help of the laity in these activities–something that is more than ever important today–saying: “You work too hard individually. Find new apostles! Search for collaborators to help you! I hope you make a lot of progress in this regard. You must not only be apostles; you must raise up other apostles! Ask this grace in all the courses of spiritual exercises held this year” (St. Paul Film Congress, I).
The preachings of Fr. Alberione contained in this volume sketch out the elements that make up the mysticism lived by St. Paul, which every FSP is called to put into practice in her own life. The Founder insisted that we “live in Christ as he defined himself: Way, Truth and Life” (Meditation 3, p. 43) and he presented the apostolate in terms of light, saying that it is the Congregation that irradiates this light. To the degree that the Pauline apostle is open to the Lord, present in the Word and Eucharist, she will be transformed by him and be able to proclaim him with all the instruments of communication.
The Document of our 10th General Chapter re-echoes these themes, focusing in particular on how the Apostle Paul identified himself with the message he proclaimed (cf. CD 11) and underscoring the lofty ministry entrusted to us by Jesus Master: “Inasmuch as we are a teaching Institute, we must be a light; a city on a mountaintop to which everyone looks” (CD 14).