Serving the Church and the people of Cape Town for more than 80 years

For over eight decades, the Catholic Bookshop has been a trusted spiritual resource and a welcoming place of encounter for Catholics and other Christian communities in Cape Town and beyond. Our story began in the mid‑1940s, when Cardinal Owen McCann founded the Bookshop as part of the apostolate of the Catholic Newspaper and Publishing Company, the publishers of The Southern Cross.

From the beginning, the Bookshop was envisioned as a place where the faithful could find reliable Catholic literature, devotional items, and liturgical resources to support their spiritual lives. This mission has remained at the heart of everything we do.

🕊️ Our Founder: Cardinal Owen McCann

Cardinal Owen McCann (1907–1994) was a central figure in the Catholic Church in South Africa and the first South African‑born Cardinal. Born in Woodstock, Cape Town, he was ordained a priest in 1935 and later served as editor of The Southern Cross before becoming Archbishop of Cape Town in 1951. In 1965, Pope Paul VI elevated him to the College of Cardinals.

Those who worked closely with him remember him as a kind, pastoral, and deeply attentive shepherd, known for his quiet strength and his compassion during the difficult years of apartheid. His commitment to education, evangelization, and accessible Catholic resources directly shaped the founding of the Catholic Bookshop.

📚 Our Mission

The Catholic Bookshop exists to serve the Church and the wider Christian community by providing:

• Catholic books and Bibles
• Devotional and sacramental items
• Liturgical and catechetical resources
• Gifts for every sacramental milestone
• Support for parishes, schools, and ministries

Our purpose has always been to nurture faith, support spiritual growth, and make Catholic teaching and tradition accessible to all.

📜 A New Chapter: Independent Non‑Profit Since 1982

In 1982, the Catholic Bookshop transitioned to independent management as a non‑profit company, allowing us to continue our mission with renewed focus and sustainability. Today, we remain committed to serving generations of Catholics, clergy, religious, and seekers who walk through our doors.

🙏 A Place of Welcome

Whether you are searching for a meaningful gift, deepening your faith, preparing for a sacrament, or simply exploring, the Catholic Bookshop is here to accompany you. Our team is dedicated to offering warm service, trustworthy guidance, and resources that inspire and uplift.