On November 9, 1997, Pope John Paul II proclaimed blessed the founder of the Congregation of Scalabrinian Missionaries. Here is the message of Fr. Chiarello, Superior General. Rome, November 11, 2019 – On November 9, 1997, Pope John Paul II proclaimed blessed bishop Giovanni Battista Scalabrini, founder of the Scalabrinian Missionary congregation. A significant date, because it also includes the celebration of the dedication of the Lateran basilica, the mother of all churches.