1990s: Liguori Publications Goes Global

By Fr. Byron Miller, CSsR, President and Publisher of Liguori Publications

In a speech in 1996, Vice President Al Gore capitalized on an international Spanish dance sensation to joke about his reputation for being too stiff. “I would like to demonstrate for you the Al Gore version of the Macarena.” He stood still for a few seconds and asked, “Would you like to see it again?”

In the 1990s, Liguori Publications demonstrated a few nimble moves, adding an international beat! The company began targeting the pastoral needs of the Hispanic and African American communities, and it broadened its mission in the international marketplace of rights and permissions.

Moreover, in 1992, Liguori expanded its reach to Catholics, other Christians, the unchurched, and marginalized people with the acquisition of Triumph Books, an ecumenical trade imprint previously owned by Baker Book House.

A year later, the company hosted the first-ever worldwide Redemptorist international publishing meeting, Redemptorist Communications 1993. Fr. Thomas Santa, then-president and publisher of Liguori, welcomed Redemptorists and associates from fifteen countries in a spirit of collaboration for their shared commitment to spreading God’s word.

In 1994, Liguori was the largest of the fifteen co-publishers of English and Spanish editions of the new Catechism of the Catholic Church. The company sold more editions of it than any other publisher—about 700,000 copies. Publishers Weekly stated, “Liguori Publications made the Catechism in the United States.” In 1999, under the direction of editor-in-chief Fr. Allan Weinert, Liguorian went from digest size to a full-size magazine format that is still in use today. This style allowed for improved graphics, paper, and color. On the threshold of the new millennium, Fr. Santa assessed the growth of Liguori Publications: “Liguori has grown into a multifaceted publishing company known around the world as an exceptional source of quality Catholic resources.”

Next: Company welcomes a new century and Libros Liguori