James Alberione was an Italian Catholic priest, theologian, and publisher born in 1884. He is best known for establishing the Pauline Family, a collection of ten religious congregations and lay associations. Inspired by the mission of Saint John Bosco, he sought to evangelize the modern world by utilizing contemporary mass media. His work focused on spreading religious teachings through various communication tools, including print, radio, and cinema, to reach people in the twentieth century.
Life and work
Born into a farming family in San Lorenzo, Alberione entered the seminary in Alba at age sixteen. After his ordination in 1907, he founded the Society of St. Paul in 1914, which began as a small printing school. He later established several other groups, including the Daughters of St. Paul and the Pious Disciples of the Divine Master. During the Second Vatican Council, he served as a theological expert.
Veneration
Alberione died in Rome in 1971. He was declared venerable in 1996 and was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2003. He is commemorated on November 26. His legacy is centered on the use of modern technology to communicate the faith, a mission he pursued through his many religious institutes.