The Daughters of St. Paul in
Pakistan are the religious Sisters in the three communities in Karachi, Lahore and
in Rawalpindi, united in the Pauline spirit of putting on the mind and the heart
of Christ like St. Paul, in order to become all to all and to give Jesus to the
world like Mary, the Queen of Apostles. This
congregation was founded by an Italian priest, Fr. James Alberione in Alba, Italy in June 15, 1915. They are part of the Pauline Family: five religious institutes and five
associations of pontifical approval.
The Daughters of St. Paul came to
Pakistan on the 12th of August 1965 because of the great vision of
the founder and co-foundress, Sr. Thecla Merlo who used to pass by Karachi port
in their journey to and from the Orient.
Pakistan is a very important link to reach the different countries in
the world. Fr. James and Sr. Tecla prayed and worked hard
to fulfill their great dream of having a community in Pakistan; a community that could pave the way
for local vocations.
On June 15, 2015, as the
congregation spread in 51 countries opened the way for its 100th year foundation
anniversary, the different communities in Pakistan held Masses in different Churches
as thanksgiving for all the blessings received along the way of its missionary
journeys in villages and cities, schools and hospitals, jails and resorts, parishes
and homes, bringing the printed and audio-visual forms of the Gospel.
By
August 12, 2014, Pakistan delegation shall enter into the journey towards its
50th year. The growth in the
number of vocations, the apostolic areas reached and the regularity of its
apostolic works, in spite of all the limitations as to the number of Sisters,
strength and resources were not considered as long as the social situation
permits. Pauline life in Pakistan had
always been a great thanksgiving for all that God had accomplished through us;
unworthy servants.
The Sisters in Pakistan partakes of
the benefits that the Pauline Family renders.
The spiritual guidance and assistance of the Society of St. Paul,
whenever they are asked. The Daughters
of St. Paul from different countries pitches in for some animation
programmes. The continuous prayers of the other members of
the Pauline Family especially the Pious Disciples of the Divine Master who
adores Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament for 24-hours and prays for each member of
the Pauline Family.
As part of the Pauline Family, the
daily task of the Daughters of St. Paul (FSP) is to atone for sins committed
because of the improper use of media. To
expound the power of media as instruments for good, the FSP constitutions
require active involvement of the Sisters in the annual celebrations of World
Communications Day. The book centres,
various book exhibits and media animations witness to the fact that media serve
life.
May all media practitioners and users
reach holiness of life to the degree that each one can say like St. Paul, “It’s
no longer I who live but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20). May Blessed James Alberione, Venerable Thecla
Merlo, Blessed Timothy Giaccardo and all the Pauline saints intercede for this
generation engulfed by the instruments of social communications. May the Daughters of St. Paul in Pakistan
always be true to its identity through fidelity in the Sisters response to the
vocational call.
