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James Alberione | Thecla Merlo | Pauline Spirituality & Mission | Formation | E-mail Us

A Story of Love

31 December 1900: James Alberione kneels in prayer in the Cathedral of Alba.
He is interiorly restless, searching, yearning to do something.... Deep in his heart,
he hears the words, "Come to me, all of you..." The invitation is extended by
Christ, the "principal agent" or, to use the Founder's own words, "the true director"
of his life.

In that prolonged prayer, James clearly felt his call to the priesthood. The
directives of the Church penetrated his heart and he understood the need for
well-organized apostolate. Like atrue prophet, he understood the Church and
the times in which he lived, and he felt obligated to respond to the light he had
received by working in collaboration with others to the point of total self-donation.
And christ transformed his life day after day, making him the "father" of many
children.

He felt immersed in a story of salvation into which the Lord had suddenly
exploded, calling him by name, revealinmg Himself to him, binding him to
Himself through a covenant, entrusting him a mission and assuring him of
His presence and help: "Do not be afraid.... I am with you."

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