“Legacy of Blessed James Alberione remains alive”: Pauline Sister in Angola on Founder’s Death Anniversary Celebration

Sr. Elisabete Corazza. Credit: Daughters of St. Paul (FSP/Pauline Sisters)

She said, “The legacy of Blessed Alberione remains alive in the dedication of the Pauline Sisters in Angola and around the world, promoting evangelization and culture through social communication.”

“We celebrate the day of the death of Blessed Alberione as a liturgical feast and also as a day of remembrance to thank God for his life, his work, and his mission,” the Brazilian-born FSP member said.

Born in April 1884, Alberione died in November 1971 at the age of 87. 

Credit: Daughters of St. Paul (FSP/Pauline Sisters)

He dedicated his life to the service of the Church, founding the Pauline Family, which consists of 10 branches, including 5 religious congregations, 4 secular institutes, and the Association of Pauline Cooperators for the Gospel.

In the November 26 interview with ACI Africa, Sr. Corazza recalled that “Blessed Alberione, in the face of a world that had not yet embraced communication, felt the need to create congregations dedicated to communication, evangelizing through social media.”

Credit: Daughters of St. Paul (FSP/Pauline Sisters)

She added, “He also emphasized that this should be done using all that progress could offer.”

“Today, this prophetic vision is reflected in the work of the Paulines, who use social media and other technologies to spread the truth, justice, and charity,” the Catholic nun said.

Credit: Daughters of St. Paul (FSP/Pauline Sisters)

She continued, “We cannot think about communication without considering social media. It is important to reflect on everything involved in communication in order to build a culture of communication. This means including people so that everyone has a voice and a chance."

However, Sr. Corazza highlighted some challenges, saying, “Given the many negative elements that communication tools can bring, especially social media impacting adolescents and young people, we are called to discern wisely how to use communication to promote truth and the common good.”

She said, “Today, the Pauline Sisters are present in 50 countries across five continents, including 15 African nations.”

Credit: Daughters of St. Paul (FSP/Pauline Sisters)

(Story continues below)

“This global presence is a testament to the missionary vision of Blessed Alberione and the commitment of the Paulines to evangelization and culture,” Sr.  Corazza said.

She added, “He inspires us to seek a dignified life, based on justice, prayer, and the common good.”

In the November 26 interview with ACI Africa, the Brazilian Catholic nun reflected on the mission of Pauline Sisters in Angola. 

Credit: Daughters of St. Paul (FSP/Pauline Sisters)

She said, “The Pauline Sisters have been pioneers in the cultural and evangelizing dimension, promoting the formation of Catechists, Priests, Nuns, and laypeople through the Evangelization and Culture Center.”

“This Center is much more than just a bookstore. Here, we train people in various areas, not only religious ones but also in human sciences such as law, administration, economics, psychology, and pedagogy,” Sr. Corazza explained.

Credit: Daughters of St. Paul (FSP/Pauline Sisters)

She continued, “Many students recognize that they were able to graduate thanks to our bookstores. In addition, the work of the Paulines goes beyond books, covering a publishing house, radio programs, initiatives on social media, biblical formation, and an auditorium that hosts events, training sessions, and book launches.”

In Luanda, the capital of Angola, the Daughters of St. Paul have two evangelization and culture bookstores to serve a wide range of readers and those seeking educational films, documentaries, and videos.

Credit: Daughters of St. Paul (FSP/Pauline Sisters)

Sr. Corazza told ACI Africa that “the two Paulina bookstores, located in Zé Pirão and Vila Alice, play a central role in this mission, providing not only religious materials but also books that help students and professionals grow intellectually and spiritually.”

As a result of the Sisters' work, she said, “Today, we have many authors and doctors who say, Thanks to the Paulina Sisters, I was able to graduate.”

Credit: Daughters of St. Paul (FSP/Pauline Sisters)

Sr. Corazza added, “This dedication to the integral formation of people reflects the vision of Blessed Alberione, who saw communication as a powerful means to transform lives and promote the common good.”

In addition to their impact on formation and communication, the Pauline Sisters also dedicate time to the formation of young vocations.

Credit: Daughters of St. Paul (FSP/Pauline Sisters)

“This set of actions also includes young women in formation, who are on a discernment path. They may become Paulines or good Christians, dedicating themselves to the common good,” the Catholic nun said.

She added, “This concern for the future reflects Blessed Alberione's charisma, who wanted communication to be a means of inclusion and promotion of human dignity.”

Credit: Daughters of St. Paul (FSP/Pauline Sisters)

Sr. Corazza implored, “May Father Tiago Alberione, the apostle of communication, help us realize that everyone has the right to be included in this great global village.”