Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) - The 9th general chapter of the Daughters of St Paul DSP, which began on 29 August in Ariccia (Roma) at the Casa Divin Maestro, has re-elected Sr Maria Antonieta Bruscato Superior general for a second mandate. Born in southern Brazil in 1938, Sr. Maria Antonieta has a licentiate in philosophy, theology and spirituality and a rich experience of DSP life acquired in communities in Brazil, Italy and Colombia. In the past she held positions of apostolic direction, formation and government.
Some 71 sisters from all over the world are taking part in the general chapter devoted to 'evangelising the media culture'. The Daughters of St Paul, founded by Blessed Don Giacomo Alberione in 1915 with the collaboration of Venerable Sr Tecla Merlo, today are 2,490 and there are 261 in formation. They live in 248 communities and carry out their mission in Centres for Apostolate producing books, music and films; internet and electronic publications, magazines, centres of diffusion, book shops, formation for critical use of the media, radio, television. The model is St Paul, an example of passionate love for Christ which renders apostolic activity creative and effective.
Today the DSP sisters are in 52 countries: in the first world and in poor areas such as Africa; in traditionally Christian areas such as Latin America or where the Church is a minority such as Japan, or inserted in Muslim countries such as Pakistan. In the past decade the DSP sisters have opened new communities in four eastern European countries, two Latin America countries, five African countries, and two Asian countries; most recently Vietnam. And they plan to open communities in southern Sudan and Indonesia. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 19/9/2007; righe 21, parole 282)
