On 31 October 2015, the Daughters of St. Paul of Johannesburg commemorated the Institute’s Centenary of foundation by means of a solemn Eucharistic Liturgy. Many priests, collaborators, employees, friends and book center clients joined them in celebrating this milestone. In his homily, Bishop Giuseppe Sandri, a Combonian priest from the Witbank diocese, spoke about Blessed James Alberione and Sr. Thecla Merlo, the spirituality of the FSPs and the contribution their mission is making to the Church in South Africa and throughout the world. The Liturgy was enlivened by beautiful hymns sung by a youth choir from Soweto’s Queen of the World Church.
After the Mass, the participants were invited share a festive time of fraternity with the sisters, who gave each person a packet containing a pocket Gospel, a biography of the Founder and Maestra Thecla, a book mark and a pen. The sisters also received many messages of good will and esteem for the occasion.
“Everything works together for the good of those who love God”-these consoling words of St. Paul incite our sister to continue the Institute’s mission in this part of Africa today with renewed enthusiasm and dedication.