Two Indian priests set to open the doors to a new bookshop in Edinburgh city centre say it is a "dream come true".
Fathers Baji Puthiyaparambil and Shinto Karimattathil will launch St Paul's Bookshop at St Mary’s Cathedral on Broughton Street on Saturday (November 26).
The men, who are both from Kerala in South India, are delighted to be realising their dream.
Fr Baji, 52, said “Running a Christian book shop in Edinburgh was the dream of the Society of St Paul, of which we are members.
“There will be books on self-help, spirituality and the sacraments, as well as many religious items for sale such as ornaments and figurines.
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“Priority will be given for Bibles. We will also stock books for children and catechetical books, along with biographies, missals, lectionaries and church documents.”
Founded in Italy in 1914, the Society of St Paul followed in the footsteps of St Paul the Apostle in bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world.
Fr Baji, a priest for 22 years and an author of four books on Catholic spirituality, said: “I am really excited about this because it is something truly connected to our charism.
“Two years ago Archbishop Leo Cushley asked the Society if they would take up the project at St Mary’s Cathedral. He also welcomed us to St Joseph’s Parish in Sighthill which is now our community in Edinburgh.
“We suffered a setback with the pandemic but now we are finally ready to open the doors and all are welcome.”
Archbishop Leo Cushley, of St Andrews & Edinburgh, added: "It's a chance for everyone to access a range of books that will inspire, edify and inform.
"The Archdiocese is pleased to collaborate with the Society of St Paul on this project and Frs Baji and Shinto have worked hard to make it happen."
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