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

Thecla Merlo

Teresa Merlo first met Fr. Alberione June 27, 1915. She agreed
to collaborate with him and to help give life to his apostolic
vision. From that time on, with tremendous faith and untiring
trust, Teresa, who took the religious name of Thecla, assisted
him not only in the foundation and formation of the Daughters of St. Paul, but with the other Congregations of the Pauline Family and his any different apostolic works.

Her example and courage, her intelligent and wise collaboration with Alberione and her loving guidance of the sisters in her care won her the respect and love of all those who knew her. She died on February 5, 1964, and the Church proclaimed her "Venerable" on January 22, 1991.

Sr. Thecla was one of the first followers of Fr. Alberione and she played a fundamental role
in his foundation project. She was one of the first nine young women to make their religious
profession of vows in 1922 in the hands of Alberione as Founder of the Institute.

Fr. Alberione appointed Maestra Thecla Superior General of the feminine branch of his
"house" and, when the foundation received diocesan approval in 1929, she was given the
title "Prima Maestra" (first teacher).

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