In May 1944, the first Paulines arrived in Ellsworth Township Ohio, just outside Canfield at the invitation of then-Bishop James McFadden. Decades and generations later, members of Saint Paul Monastery are celebrating 80 years of service to the Mahoning Valley and beyond. The one constant over the years is Saint Paul’s charism, of using media to deliver the word of God to people of all ages and backgrounds. Our Dennis Biviano has more.
“Our founder, Blessed James Alberione was one who thought that if Saint Paul were alive today, he would be using the media to communicate the word of God. So that’s why we were chosen,” says Reverend Matthew Roehrig.
The Society of Saint Paul, or Paulines was founded on August 20, 1914 in Alba Italy, by Blessed James Alberione. The order has a presence in 39 countries across the globe with 850 members.
Locally, in the Diocese of Youngstown, there are seven members who continue to spread the Gospel message through print and other forms of media.
“Television, book stores of course to promote materials. And we’re now getting into podcast and around the world there’s different ones. Some have schools that they’re teaching communications. Others use the internet, the social media,” says Father Roehrig.
Father Roehrig is the Director of the Society of Saint Paul, in Ellsworth Township, just outside Canfield. He’s a graduate of Morehead State University, earning a degree in communications, which led him to the Society of Saint Paul. One might ask what the ministry of a “Brother” might look like:
“They will not do mass. They will not hear confessions. They will not do the sacraments. But all other aspects we do from editorial to the marketing and promoting, to the technical work, can be done by the brothers,” says Father Roehrig.
And the prayer life of a Brother starts with morning mass.
“If it’s a formation community there might be some structured prayer either before or after mass or else it’s usually up to the individual. And then every evening we have holy hour, which our founder called “the visit,” where we go visit with the Lord and we do an exposition of the Blessed Sacrament,” says Father Roehrig.
Outside the church on the campus, visitors can find a prayer chapel, a future rosary garden, cemetery for two dozen past Saint Paul members, as well as St. Paul’s Books and Gifts, also known in past generations as Alba House.
“Out here we’re trying to create a more prayerful atmosphere, so people can come out, walk around and be peaceful, and visit our statues,” says Father Roehrig.
Father Roehrig says what he’s most excited about moving forward, celebrating the 1st anniversary as the recently combined Mexico, Cuba, United States province. He says it’s been a rewarding experience in his decades in the Mahoning Valley and he looks forward to the future and making sure his fellow brothers and priests are well taken care of.
“This is our retirement home. So many of the members who are here are in their 80s and we set this up so we can take care of their needs. We’re going to be starting a rosary garden here. Part is a fundraising to give us some fundings for some of the things we need to do here. But as I said, to create this space, where people can come out and they can walk and pray the rosary. We have our shrine to Saint Anthony out in the front and our chapel is open during the day. So we’re trying to create a place where people can come for the future and just find it a very peaceful place,” says Father Roehrig.
