Beato Giacomo Alberione

Blessed Giacomo Alberione, also known as Santiago Alberione, was born on 4 April 1884 in San Lorenzo di Fossano, Cuneo, Italy. He began his journey towards the priesthood as a seminarian in the cities of Bra and Alba in Italy. It was during the night of 31 December 1900 to 1 January 1901, while engaged in nightly Eucharistic adoration in Alba, that he experienced a profound calling to do something significant for the people of the new 20th century.

Following his calling, Alberione was ordained as a priest on 29 June 1907. He began his pastoral ministry as a parish priest in Narzole, where he dedicated himself to the spiritual guidance of the youth and altar servers in the Alba seminary from 1 October 1908 onwards. Recognizing the importance of media and communication in spreading the message of the Gospel, he also became the director of the weekly publication "Gazzetta d'Alba" in September 1913.

On 20 August 1914, Alberione established the Society of Saint Paul, a religious congregation with the mission of utilizing modern means of communication to share the Word of God. This was followed by the founding of the Daughters of Saint Paul on 15 June 1915, a congregation dedicated to using media for evangelization. Both of these congregations, under Alberione's leadership, continue to actively publish materials, including books, magazines, and audiovisual media, to spread the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Recognizing the need for spiritual support and guidance among the religious and laity, Alberione founded the Sisters Disciples of the Divine Master on 10 February 1924. This congregation is focused on fostering personal devotions and deepening the spiritual life of individuals. Later, in August 1936, he established the Sisters of Jesus Good Shepherd in Rome, Italy, aiming to provide compassionate care for the sick and elderly.

Blessed Giacomo Alberione dedicated his entire life to the service of God, utilizing the power of media and communication as effective tools for evangelization. His congregations continue to flourish and make a profound impact in the world. He passed away peacefully on 26 November 1971, at 6:26 pm, in the Generalate House in Rome, Italy, succumbing to natural causes.

Recognizing his exemplary virtues, Pope John Paul II declared him Venerable on 25 June 1996. Later, on 27 April 2003, Pope John Paul II beatified him, acknowledging his holiness and significant contributions to the Church. Blessed Giacomo Alberione's feasts day is celebrated on 26 November each year, commemorating the day of his passing.