2010s: A Magazine’s “Century of Sustenance”

2010s: A Magazine’s “Century of Sustenance”

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

2010–2019

During the new century’s second decade, Liguori Publications broadened its spectrum of respected, authoritative Catholic voices by acquiring Catholic Update, a well-known newsletter from Franciscan Media. Since 1973, this easy-to-read full-color four-pager has helped millions of Catholics grow their faith in classrooms, religious-education programs, and adult faith-formation settings. Written by leading theologians, spiritual authors, and biblical experts, more than 350 editions of Catholic Update on timely topics are available in print and electronically.

In a sign of the times, Liguori has converted more than 800 products into eBooks. Its digital library is on Amazon, Apple, Kobo, B&N, and iTunes. The COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily shuttered parishes in early 2020, heightened demand for the company’s digital pastoral products and streaming services.

Liguori Publications commemorated the 100th anniversary of Liguorian at a Mass in St. Louis celebrated by Archbishop Joseph Tobin, CSsR, of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, on October 16, 2013. Concelebrants included St. Louis Auxiliary Bishop Edward Rice and two previous company president-publishers: Very Reverend Harry Grile, CSsR, provincial of the Redemptorists’ Denver Province, and Rev. Mathew Kessler, CSsR. Archbishop Tobin’s homily noted the magazine has provided a “century of sustenance” to Catholics, and Fr. Don Willard, CSsR, then-president of Liguori, described Liguorian as “always on the edge of where the Church is, always relevant, always faithful.”

The 2010s: Highlights at Liguori

• 2014: Meditations on Vatican Art by Mark Haydu, LC, wins “Book of the Year” from the Association of Catholic Publishers and first place in “Spirituality” from the Catholic Press Association. Through reflections on art from the Vatican, this keepsake helps readers deepen their relationship with God.
• Liguori updates the indispensable account of the sacraments, Doors to the Sacred by renowned authority Dr. Joseph Martos.
•  2019: Liguori’s comprehensive digital Journey of Faith and Jornada de Fe RCIA/RICA participant lessons educate adults, teens, and children who wish to become members of the Church.
• Liguori offers bundles of the most relevant topics of our faith with our best-selling Catholic Update 100+ Set, Topics for RCIA, and Catholic Update Lent 40+ Deluxe Set, all written by leading Catholic authorities.

Next: Our final installment of this anniversary series will both recount how Liguori Publications has served anxious readers during a pandemic and look ahead.