The 10th bookfair of Catholic Publishing Houses, that took place in April 16-18, 2004 in Warsaw, became true festival of Catholic book. 86 Polish and foreign publishing houses participated in it. It was for the first time that the publishing house Pro Christo from Minsk (Belarus) took part in Warsaw feast as well as Catholic publishing houses Edizioni San Paolo from Milan (Italy) and Veritas from London (Great Britain). The honorary guest of the bookfair was Vatican publishing house Libreria Editrice Vaticana that presented as well Vatican Library, Vatican Museums and Vatican Archives.

The Holy Father John Paul II imparted his Apostolic blessing to the participants and visitors of Catholic publishing houses bookfair. The Holy Father wrote: “I pray God that this initiative will further fruitful Gospel preaching, development of culture and civilization of love and peace”.

Cardinal Josef Glemp, Primate of Poland, was present at the bookfair opening. He was delighted to see the rich fruits of work of Catholic publishing houses. The Cardinal also came up to the stand of Pro Christo. His Eminence was especially interested in Poetry. Selections by K. Wojtyla and Roman Triptych by John Paul II published in Belarusian, Catholic Churches. Diocese of Minsk-Mohilev. Part I as well as Mother of God of Snow in Belarus by A. Yarashevich.

It was three days that this beautiful festival lasted. It was organized by the Association of Catholic Publishers and Marians’ Publishing House. During these three days at the bookfair there took place presentations of new books, meetings with authors, discussions, acquaintances and amicable conversations.

F. Marek Atolsky MIC, Director of the Association Catholic Publishers, said that for the 10th time the bookfair gave the publishers the possibility to meet, to show their work results and to exchange experience. For the publishing house Pro Christo the festival became very significant and important event that gave the possibility for the first time to show its production and to see the one of others. It was nice that our numerous participants and visitors of the bookfair as well as representatives of mass media were interested in Pro Christo production. Pro Christo direction expresses its gratefulness to the Episcopate of Poland, to the Association of Catholic Publishers and to Marians’ Publishing House for the possibility of joining the true festival of Catholic book. Let the Risen Christ reward them all generously for their kindness, cordiality and support.