THE INSTITUTE OF ST. GABRIEL

The Institute of St. Gabriel the Archangel (the Gabrielites), for young and middle-aged men who, while remaining in their families and in their own fields of work, aim for personal sanctification and work for the Pauline apostolate.

It concerns laymen. From the very start, the attention and care of Fr. Alberione had been directed to the laity, as a valid and indispensable support of the Pious Society of St. Paul. Precisely for this reason the Union of Pauline Cooperators was started. Many members of that union have joined this Secular Institute. They were inspired by the principles of the Apostolic Constitution "Provvida Mater," which opens to the laity the possibility of remaining in the world, in their families, and at their work, which is offered as leaven hidden in the mass to foster its Chrsitian transformation.

Upheld and guided in the observance of the evangelical counsels, according to their personal abilities and in freer situations, they can more effectively develop the seeds planted in them with baptism and their special vocation and cooperate in the consecration of the world to Chrsit.