Catholic Book Publishing Corp. is proud of its unique history and long-standing commitment to the publication of timely and timeless Catholic resources. Orphaned through a tragic car accident and with only a fifth-grade education, John V. Cavalero founded Catholic Book Publishing Co. on 12th Street in New York City in 1911. Vowing to keep the family together, John, the oldest of six children, took full ownership after buying out his partner’s widow and gladly welcomed brothers George and Louis into the business following World War I. 

Under their direction and hard work, Catholic Book Publishing prospered in the printing and binding industry, working primarily with religious communities. In 1937 the company relocated to two floors of a nine-story facility on West 17th Street, eventually expanding to become the building’s sole occupant. Coinciding with the new location, the company printed its first Missals for Sunday worship and continued to add family members, including John’s sons, Howard in 1939 and John Jr., in 1942.