The "Miracle" Newspaper

     Father Alberione knocked sharply on the front door. Teresa answered. The priest took off his hat and began to speak. "Teresa," he said, his voice quiet and calm, "have you ever been to Susa?"

     "No, Father," came the reply, "Why do you ask?"

     "Bishop Castelli has asked me if you and your companions will take charge of his diocesan newspaper."

     Teresa grew shaky and weak. Why, this was the chance of chances, but how? Where would they get the training and skill? She groped for words that would not come. The priest found words quickly, "Shall I accept for you?" he asked.

     "Father," she responded with dismay, "you know we are few; you know too what we are capable of doing. Only Emilia is able to set type, and not very well. How are we going to do it?"

     "Come to our typography for a few days. The seminarians will teach u. and do not forget that our Lord, His Mother, and St. Paul will help."

     "Yes, Father," she said with a strong, clear voice. "Yes, we will come."

     After a brief period of training, the young women prepared to leave for Susa where they would, with God's help, be printing the diocesan newspaper. The trip to Susa was brief and uneventful. The young women hardly looked at the city sights. They wanted to see their first printing plant, to inspect the unusual machines and to apply their newly-acquired skills. They walked through the front door of the old house without a word. Eyes scanned the dust-covered equipment. The group knelt down. Teresa began an Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be to the F. There was a moment of silence and then all became activity. Someone grabbed a broom; another found a pail, soap and scrub brush. Another dusted away the cobwebs.

     Fifteen days later their first issue of Valsusa was shipped out to the readers. They hardly believed it themselves. A letter arrived from Father Chiesa, a great supporter of the infant Congregation. Teresa read it to the community while they were at supper.

     "My good daughters, wonderful! Very well done! I received the first issue of Valsusa. It was excellent. Who would distinguish it from any other newsper for the way it is printed? One can see that the blessings of God are with you. see how fortunate you are: in the twinkling of an eye, you have ascended the pulpit to teach an entire diocese.

     "What preacher in Susa his an audience as large as yours? You are sending the good news to everyone."

     Time passed - weeks and months were filled with many new experiences in writing, printing, diffusion. They opened a small book center and took on additional studies needed for the apostolate, working as they studied. Some years later they returned to Alba where their work expanded and continued to develop.

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    Yes is Forever, by the Daughters of St. Paul, Copyright © 1981, Daughters of St. Paul.
Used by permission of Paulines Books & Media, 50 St. Paul's Avenue, Boston, MA 02130. All rights reserved.