VATICAN CITY, APRIL 28, 2003 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II emphasized the spiritual legacy left by newly beatified Giacomo Alberione, the founder of the Pauline Family who used the media to proclaim the Gospel.
«He intuited the need to make Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life, known to the people of our time through the means of our time,» the Pope explained during the homily delivered Sunday when proclaiming Alberione blessed.
Some 50,000 pilgrims were on hand in St. Peter’s Square for the beatification of Alberione (1884-1971).
«He was inspired by the Apostle Paul, whom he described as theologian and architect of the Church, always remaining docile and faithful to the magisterium of the Successor of Peter, beacon of truth in a world often deprived of solid points of reference,» the Pope said.
Explaining the reason for the founding of the Pauline Family, the Holy Father recalled Blessed Alberione’s words about the media: «These means must be used by a group of saints.»
Today, when the Pope met again in Paul VI Hall with some of the faithful who attended the beatification, he highlighted Alberione’s vocation in the context of the universal Church.
«Don Alberione not only opened modern pulpits of social communication to evangelization, but he conceived his work as organic action within the Church and at its service,» John Paul II said. «From heaven, may don Alberione help his family to be what he desired, ‘St. Paul living today.'»
