Fr. James Alberione, the Founder of the Daughter of St. Paul, was sixteen years of age when he felt an urge “to do something for the people of the new century.” In his prayer, James could visualise the future of humanity being formed by the Media of Social Communications. Realising the influence of the powerful media on the culture and faith of the people, he decided to make use of these same instruments for the dissemination of the Gospel values. In 1914 his dream began to take concrete shape and he gathered a group of young boys who gradually grew to be the pioneer members of the worldwide Society of St Paul, the first among the Institutes of the Pauline Family.
On April 27, 2003 he was beatified Blessed James Alberione, by Pope John Paul II.

Fr James was constantly aware of the potential and power lying dormant in women. He wanted to use their strength too in the newly found mission. In Theresa Merlo he found an ideal person who could understand and follow his vision with regard to women. Thus in 1915 a group of young women under the leadership of Sr Thecla Merlo (co-foundress) followed the new path traced out by Alberione. They are today known as the Daughters of St. Paul. They now render their service in 50 countries of the five continents.
A man of vision, Fr James was aware of the needs of various segments of the contemporary society and the Church. Thus he founded 5 Religious Congregations (Society of St Paul, Daughters of St. Paul, Sister Disciples of the Divine Master, Sisters of the Good Shepherd, Sisters of Mary Queen of Apostles), 4 Secular Institutes (Institute of Jesus the Priest, Institute of Gabriel the Archangel, Institute of Our Lady’s Annunciation and Institute of the Holy Family) and one Association of Lay collaborators: the Pauline Co-operators.
Together they constitute the Pauline Family.