A message from Sr Angela Grant FSP:
Our Congregation throughout the world has been suffering the harsh effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on our lives, on our apostolate and on our financial resources. Here in Great Britain, for the past twelve months we have been undergoing a redesigning process with the support of our leadership in Rome and professional advisors who are sensitive to the Pauline mission. This Covid-19 pandemic has forced the Trustees and leadership team to, inevitably, make some major decisions. Sadly, this has led us to authorise the closure of Pauline Books & Media Centre in Kensington on Saturday 24th October 2020.
Prior to this pandemic, High Streets in Britain were being hit hard by the decline in footfall, by competition from retail giants and by increased on-line buying, particularly through Amazon. The commitment to our mission is the reason we have stayed there for so long, as our Pauline Centre is a visible sign of our Catholic faith, and our helping to promote Christian values amidst a consumerist society.
Since arriving in Great Britain in 1955, our Sisters have lived in London and, with great commitment, have been a beacon of light on the High Street through interaction with our customers, supplying various books and resources, and providing talks, animation and other organised events. We have enjoyed collaborating with the neighbouring parishes, bishops, priests, religious and many committed lay people in the Westminster Archdiocese, as well as other dioceses and people from around the world, as Kensington was a favourite stop-off point for many people.
We are most grateful for the many blessings bestowed on our community and mission over the past fifty five years. I thank all the people who over these years have supported us but, most importantly, who have believed in and supported the mission of the Pauline Book Centre, not only as a place where they could purchase something but a place where, in the words of our founder, Blessed Alberione, ‘the truth and love of Jesus Christ are found and shared’. We hold special memories of many our supporters and customers, some of whom have gone before us to God in faith.
It is with great sadness that we withdraw our missionary presence from Kensington although we hope to be able to maintain a small community presence of three or four sisters in the London area. At the moment all is in God’s hands.
In the meantime, we are redesigning our website www.pauline-uk.org and introducing a new telephone order line on 017535 77629. We will be grateful for your continued support and we will do our best to serve you.
Sr Angela Grant on behalf of the sisters in UK