On 7 February, Cardinal Odilo Pedro Scherer, the Archbishop of Sao Paulo, presided over a Liturgy in the cathedral celebrating the opening the FSP Centenary Year. Numerous Daughters of St. Paul, their candidates in formation, members of the Pauline Family, priests, friends, benefactors, collaboraters, cooperators, and Pauline artists and authors participated in the event, which was televised by Rede Vida.
It was a joyous opportunity to thank the Lord for the many blessings he has bestowed on the FSPs over the past 100 years, as well as an opportune moment to praise him for all the good he has accomplished in the Church and world through our mission. The celebration also gave our sisters the chance to thank the many people who collaborate with them, and also the people of Brazil for the warmth and affection they have shown our Congregation.
The opening of the Centenary was preceded by a prayer vigil on the night of 5 February, the date on which the Daughters of St. Paul commemorate the birth to heaven of their Co-foundress and Mother, Venerable Thecla Merlo, who died in 1964.