Publisher responds to comments on new Lectionary

In response to recent enquiries about materials used in the new Lectionary, Pierpaolo Finaldi, Publisher and CEO of the Catholic Truth Society writes:

The Introduction to the Lectionary states: "Since, in liturgical celebrations the books too serve as signs and symbols of the sacred, care must be taken to ensure that they truly are worthy and beautiful."

This means using the finest materials possible that will not deteriorate and will serve their purpose. Leather binding has a venerable tradition not only for its aesthetic and tactile qualities but also for its durability which remains superior to alternatives.

The Ambo Editions and the Book of the Gospels are bound in bonded leather.

Bonded leather is made of recycled leather fibres. The leather fibres all come from cow hides. In the tannery where leather is made, cattle hides are brought to a specific thickness by shaving the back side (suede side) of the hide. The fibres shaved off the hide are used to make bonded leather. These waste cowhide fibres generally go to a land fill if not used to make bonded leather.

The leather fibres are bonded in the factory primarily with natural latex. The natural latex is a renewable resource derived from Hevea trees without harming the trees.

Regarding the paper - for high quality books that are intended to last (and we intend these lectionaries to resist being heavily used for a generation) it is not advisable to use recycled paper as the fibres in recycled paper are shorter and more brittle due to the process of recycling. The paper is however sourced in line with the highest sustainable forestry FSC standards.

Catholic liturgical publishing presents some unique challenges. These are among the most luxuriously printed and bound books that it is possible to produce and yet the books are also used and handled by sacristans priests, lectors and altar servers on a daily basis. We are looking for a balance between nobility, affordability and durability which goes along with sustainability. We think we have managed, to the best of our ability, to find that balance.

Pierpaolo Finaldi
CEO & Publisher
Catholic Truth Society
40-46 Harleyford Rd, Vauxhall, London SE11 5AY

www.ctsbooks.org

(Image: CTS)

LINKS

Concerns about new Lectionary: www.indcatholicnews.com/news/50840