Celebrating the birth anniversary of Sister Thecla Merlo

Today, February 20, we Daughters of St. Paul celebrate the birth anniversary of our Co-Foundress. Sister Tecla Merlo, a woman of steadfast faith and willpower, placed her future into the hands of Blessed James Alberione, founder of the Pauline Family.

Tecla's desire was to serve God. She was convinced that in Alberione, God was directing her life. She was of poor health. But, as St. Paul says, "God chooses the weak...." And today, the Pauline Family has spread across the globe living and communicating Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life through the means of the communications media.

Mother Thecla has been an intercessor for us and for friends of the Pauline Family for many years. Now declared "Venerable," by Pope John Paul II in 1991, Mother Tecla is well on her way to beatification.

We invite you to join us in praying that this faithful servant may soon be recognized among the Blessed.

Prayer to Obtain Favors through Mother Tecla's Intercession:

Most Holy Trinity, we thank you for the singular gifts of light, grace, and virtue which you granted to Sister Thecla Merlo, and we thank you for having chosen and constituted her the wise mother and sure guide of the Daughters of St. Paul.
Through her intercession, grant that we may live of her great loves: Jesus Master in the Holy Eucharist, the Church, the Gospel and souls--souls sought and served through evangelization with the instruments of social communication--to the point of total sacrifice.
O Lord, if it be in the designs of your divine wisdom, carry out even on this earth, for this very devoted Daughter of St. Paul, your divine promise: "If anyone serves me, my Father will honor him."
Exalt this faithful Servant to the joy of the Church and the good of many souls, and grant us, through her intercession, the favor we ask of you. Amen.
Glory Be...Hail Mary...