The Dominican Family of Trinidad and Tobago
Dominican Book Centre
For those of you who do not already know, the Dominican Book Centre (DBC) now has a new home in the recently constructed St Dominic’s Pastoral Centre, situated adjacent to St Finbar’s Church on Morne Coco Road, Diego Martin.
Many would remember that from May 2005 to August 2008 the bookshop had temporarily relocated to a spot on the ground floor of the Finbar Ryan Geriatric Home, while the Pastoral Centre was under construction.
During that time all eagerly awaited the opening of the Pastoral Centre which would house, in addition to the bookshop, a library, meeting rooms, social outreach, St Finbar’s Parish Office and an auditorium.
The Book Centre has been in operation for decades (though not initially under its present name) and its new and spacious location is certainly a vast difference from its original home – the trunk of an automobile. Yes, DBC had its origin in the trunk of a van driven by Fr Paschal Tiernan OP.
Fr Tiernan’s aim was to provide spiritual food in the form of reading material at very reasonable costs to the people of Trinidad and Tobago. And that he did quite successfully.
Interior of the Book Centre in Diego Martin As interests grew, the operation progressed from the van’s trunk into a small bookshop located on the grounds in close proximity to St Finbar’s Church. From that location, the bookshop has faithfully served the needs of the Catholic community in Trinidad and Tobago as well as parts of the Caribbean.
As the word continued to spread, the available material expanded from books (eg bibles, encyclicals, prayer books, Divine Office, Shorter Morning and Evening Prayer) to include a wider variety of reading/inspirational material, liturgical books and prayer cards; plus the full spectrum of Catholic Christian resources including devotionals such as rosaries, scapulars, medals, rosary bracelets, rings and chains, crucifixes, holy water fonts, pictures and plaques, statues and figurines; Altar goods like chalices, ciboria, incense, censers, candle holders, vestments, altar wine and altar bread; a vast assortment of all-occasion greeting cards; in addition to a host of miscellaneous items with a spiritual twist including visor clips, key-rings, stickers, magnets, journals, memo note pads, pens, wind chimes and mugs.
There is also a wide range of items for the Sacraments of Baptism, Communion, Confirmation and Marriage.
The little ones are not to be forgotten and you can choose from an interesting selection of books and gifts for babies and children.
Then of course there are seasonal items for Lent, Easter, Advent and Christmas.
At this time of year the selection becomes more colourful and exciting with a host of goodies to help the faithful prepare for Christ’s coming at Christmas.
There are Advent wreaths and candles; numerous Nativity sets of all styles and sizes to choose from; Christmas ornaments and candles; Holy Family figurines; plus 2009 calendars, diaries and journals are also available - and they make wonderful gifts.
Those who have already visited the bookshop in its new home have been utterly delighted with its transformation. It is brighter, lighter and more spacious. And while the three year plus construction time of St Dominic’s Pastoral Centre was longer than anticipated, all have agreed that it was well worth the wait.
With more room to move, and more goods to see, the Dominican Book Centre’s new home makes for a truly enjoyable shopping experience - as many customers have already testified.
Plus you will find great comfort in knowing that, not only are your selected items of lasting value, but each purchase helps the Dominican Fathers to continue their great work - not least of which is the upkeep of the Pastoral Centre, which has already begun to bear fruit in serving the needs of the community.
Dominican Book Centre Ltd.
St Finbar’s Church Grounds,
Morne Coco Road, Four Roads,
Diego Martin.
Tel: (868) 633-6564
