Books are a bridge between different cultures, she said.
Credit: Paulines Publications Africa (PPA)
“When we go to book fairs, we not only share books, but also culture,” Agatha Sr. said.
She added: “Reading books opens the mind and grows it. Reading good books helps to form a mind with good morals, dignity, and human dignity. And our hopes and prayers are , so that people can read good books and read books that enhance their dignity.”
Although African participation in the 2024 Frankfurt Book Fair was low, the high participation of Catholic publishers was noteworthy, Agatha Sr. told ACI Africa in an interview on October 29.
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Credit: Paulines Publications Africa (PPA)
Away from the hustle and bustle of books, two Nairobi-based PPA representatives enjoyed spiritual nourishment in a small prayer room where people come for moments of meditation and reflection.
“There was space for people who just wanted to move away from the busy, noisy halls and into a little place to meditate, reflect, and connect with their Creator,” Agatha Sr. recalled.
Apart from Kenya-based Pauline Publications Africa, there were also publishers in other African countries such as Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ivory Coast, Ghana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, India, Italy and Brazil. .
Credit: Paulines Publications Africa (PPA)
Agatha Sr. said it was beneficial to meet publishers from other parts of the world, adding: “We had the opportunity to learn from each other to improve our publications.”
Sharing their experiences in Frankfurt, the Kenyan- and Zambian-born FSP members said they were fascinated by the large scale and vibrant activity of publishers from all over the world.
Credit: Paulines Publications Africa (PPA)
“Every corner of each stand and various halls was filled with diverse expressions of books and innovative ideas in publishing,” Mary Sr. and Agatha Sr. said in a joint note shared with ACI Africa. , one of the central objectives added that the main elements of the fair were the buying and selling of publishing rights.
Sir Mary (left) and Sir Agatha (right). Credit: Paulines Publications Africa (PPA)
The two Pauline sisters said the Book Fair event was a “fascinating process that brought together publishers and authors across continents”.
“With the rise of digital media, publishers are looking for innovative ways to make print products more appealing and accessible. , where traditional print works can be seamlessly blended with digital innovation,” they told ACI Africa in a note.
Two FSP members also recalled seeing “a variety of innovations for children on display” as a “deep commitment” to creating engaging content for young readers .
Credit: Paulines Publications Africa (PPA)
They highlighted one of the “technological wonders” they encountered during the Oct. 16-20 event in Frankfurt: a “talking pen” that “brings text to life by reading out specific passages aloud.” did.
We also saw books and 3D paintings that can be displayed in VR format.
Credit: Paulines Publications Africa (PPA)
“Another notable finding was the growing interest in true stories and comics, genres that resonate deeply with modern readers,” the sisters said, adding that the publishers of the Frankfurt Book Fair told He noted that he was keen to highlight books that inspire and energize. It reflects the reality of the world.
Credit: Paulines Publications Africa (PPA)
Mary Sr. and Agatha Sr. told ACI Africa that Paulins Publications Africa, which they represented at the book fair, will now develop young readers among other innovative ways to strengthen the company’s relevance in an evolving world. He said he will try to incorporate not only interactive elements but also digitalism. .
ACI Africa was founded in 2019. We provide free, up-to-date news affecting the Catholic Church in Africa, with a special emphasis on the Pope’s words and happenings in the Holy See, for all who have access to news. internet. ACI Africa provides free access to news articles to Catholic dioceses, parishes and websites in order to raise awareness of the work of the universal Church and to foster a sense of Catholic thought and culture in the lives of all Catholics. We are proud to offer.
