ST PAULS BOOK & ART CENTER, at Marikunnu, Kozhikode, Kerala, was formally inaugurated and opened to the general public by Dr Beena Philip, the honourable Mayor of Kozhikode, in the presence of a large gathering of both civil and religious dignitaries and ordinary citizens from all walks of life on Sunday 20 August 2023, the Foundation Day of the Society of St Paul. In her inaugural address, Dr Beena emphasized the need of such a centre in Kozhikode specially for faith formation of Christians and promotion of human, religious and moral values among people of all faith and good will. Rev. Fr Joby Mathew, Provincial Superior, opened the doors of a very spacious, well designed and colourfully lit Book & Art Centre to the dignitaries and guests by symbolically cutting the ribbon. Having the dignitaries and the guests within the premises, Rev. Fr Gilbert Kannikkatt, Superior of the house, warmly welcomed everyone to ST PAULS Complex and to the Book & Art Centre.
Rt. Rev. Dr Varghese Chakkalakal, Bishop of Calicut, who presided over the rite of blessing, appreciated and thanked the members of the Society of St Paul, who relentlessly work for promoting human, Christian, social and cultural values through their publications and distribution centers throughout the country. He expressed his happiness that here is the centre where everyone one can freely come in – children, youth, adult – irrespective of caste, colour, creed and religion. The Bishop further added that the need of the hour is to promote universal brotherhood among all people, to guarantee peace and justice in our society. Reading brings out the best in one’s personality and makes one capable of reaching greater heights in life.
During the event, three of the latest titles from BYB / ST PAULS were released by Msgr. Jenson Puthanveetil, Vicar General of the Diocese of Calicut, Dr Anvar, President, JDT Group of Educational Institutions, Kozhikode and Mayor Beena Philip respectively. During the meeting, Fr Sebastian Elavunkal, Provincial Bursar and Administrator, honoured and recognized the great contribution of various individuals, firms, agencies and establishments who generously contributed for the realization of our dream project at Marikunnu, Kozhikode.
In his vote of thanks, Fr Saju George, the DGA of the Province, graciously recalled, remembered and thanked all those who have worked for the project and followed the same, both from far and near, from the moment of its conception. A very special mention was made of Rev. Fr Varghese Gnalian, the former Provincial Superior and the members of the Council who initiated this project together with Br Blaise Thadathil, then Provincial Bursar, for their vision and commitment in the service of our apostolate. The DGA, while thanking Fr Franisco Thazhathel, Director of the Centre, and Fr Gilbert Kannikkatt, Superior of the community, for organizing the event so meticulously, expressed the hope that the centre will become a point reference for all people who are in search of true wisdom, knowledge, guidance and enlightenment in their daily lives. The inaugural event was brought to a joyful conclusion with a ‘high tea’ and a lovely take-away gift for all those present at the event
ST PAULS Complex, on the Kozhikode-Wayanad-Mysore National Highway, has become a landmark in the commercial and cultural capital of northern Kerala. All those who have associated with the project in one way or another, irrespective of their religious beliefs, have affirmed emphatically that they always experienced the power of the Divine Providence accompanying them at the different stage of its realization. ‘Truly this is the work of God accomplished by human hands’. This fact should constantly remind all of us, Paulines, of the words and teachings of Blessed Alberione, our Founder. “…the bookshop reflects the whole of our Institute: it is the point of contact between us and the people, it is the centre of diffusion of all the apostolic-Pauline initiatives. It is the Publishing House of God. The bookshop is a temple; the bookseller a preacher; light, holiness, joy in Jesus Christ and Christian life are the fruits sought; the counter is a pulpit of truth...».
