Sister Marlise Heckler of the Pious Society of the Daughters of St. Paul described Angola’s first-ever participation in the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025 as “a wonderful experience,” marking a significant milestone for the country’s Catholic publishing mission. Held from October 15 to 19, the fair offered a global platform for literary exchange, and for Sister Marlise, it was a moment of pride and purpose. Representing Pauline publishing efforts, she emphasized the importance of showcasing African Catholic literature to a diverse international audience, noting that the event reaffirmed her belief in the transformative power of books and the universal thirst for knowledge.
Originally from Brazil, Sister Marlise co-founded the Paulines in Angola in 1999 and has since been instrumental in nurturing faith-based publishing in the region. Her presence at the Frankfurt Book Fair symbolized not only Angola’s growing literary voice but also the enduring mission of the Paulines to evangelize through media. She highlighted how the fair allowed her and her colleagues to engage with publishers, authors, and readers from around the world, fostering meaningful connections and opening doors for future collaborations. The experience, she said, was deeply enriching and offered valuable insights into the global publishing landscape.
The Frankfurt Book Fair, renowned as the world’s largest trade fair for books, served as a vibrant hub for cultural dialogue and intellectual exchange. For Angola’s delegation, it was an opportunity to present works that reflect the spiritual, social, and cultural realities of their communities. Sister Marlise underscored the relevance of faith-based literature in today’s world, especially in amplifying African perspectives that are often underrepresented in global discourse. She expressed hope that this maiden participation would inspire more African Catholic publishers to engage with international platforms and share their stories with the world.
This landmark moment for Angola’s Catholic publishing sector signals a readiness to contribute meaningfully to the global literary conversation. As Sister Marlise reflected, the experience was not just about books, it was about connection, inspiration, and the shared human pursuit of truth and understanding. Her words captured the spirit of the fair and the promise of a more inclusive and representative literary future, where voices from every corner of the world are heard, valued, and celebrated.