In the last Blog we mentioned the spiritual director of Bl. Luigina Sinapi. This leads us to two more blesseds, not known in this county, but who have an on-going effect on our present Church.
BL. JOSEPH TIMOTHY GIACCARDOwas the first priest of the Society of St. Paul. He was born on June 13, 1896 , at Narzole d’Alba in
Aware of his desire to become a priest, in October of 1908 Father Alberione invited Joseph to accompany him to the seminary. On September 4, 1917 while still a seminarian, Joseph Timothy joined the Society of St. Paul and two years later was ordained a priest. Soon after, he was named as the vice-superior and treasurer of the Pious Society of St. Paul.
On January 6, 1926, Father Alberione entrusted Father Giaccardo with the task of establishing the first house of his Institute in Rome Rome
In 1936, Father Giaccardo relocated to Alba , Italy
Father Giaccardo celebrated his last Mass on the morning of January 12, 1948. During that same morning, Pius XII approved the Sister Disciples of the Divine Master, a Congregation so dear to Father Giaccardo. He had offered his life for the approval of this Congregation.
Bl Jospeh Timothy passed away on January 24, 1948. John Paul II beatified him on October 22, 1989.