It’s not easy to find Catholic religious gifts in Arlington. A sizable gift shop in North Arlington closed about five years ago. The closest store is likely in Alexandria, Pauline Books and Media, run by the Daughters of St. Paul.
But on Black Friday, Nov. 24, the Borgo Sant’Agnese opened its doors. The Borgo is a small gift and bookstore with a little bit of everything. Whitewashed walls and accent windows make the small space efficient. It’s not in a shopping center or on a busy urban street corner, it’s nestled in a quiet neighborhood — inside the vestibule of St. Agnes Church on North Randolph Street.
Advent candles, wreaths and books are trending right now, and there are statues, medals, holy cards, stickers and books, including some by the pastor, Father William P. Saunders. Items from small Christian businesses also are available. Look for the handmade glass religious Christmas ornaments.
Father Saunders has served as pastor of three parishes, all with a gift shop.
“Religious goods stores and the internet do not provide the same shopping experience. A small gift shop benefits the whole parish,” Father Saunders said.
He said the gift shop is an important tool for evangelization. “Children can even find age-appropriate books and stuffed religious dolls … to bring to Mass with them, instead of toys.”
The shop name was chosen as a shoutout to the busy Borgo Pio in Rome, a shopping area known for its religious goods stores just steps from St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican.
“Because our parish is dedicated to a Roman martyr, the name also has its roots in the Eternal City,” said Katie Hofer, who manages the shop along with Sonja deCarlo.
DeCarlo said the shop fulfills Father Saunders’ goal to provide parishioners easy access to Catholic gifts and books to express and display their faith.
Father Saunders blessed the shop Dec. 3 as shoppers stood in the store and lined the hall outside.
“We need to make sure our homes have religious artwork and statues to give us a constant reminder of the presence of God and the saints, just as we have photographs of loved ones,” he said.
The Borgo will be open on Sundays after Masses from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
If you want to grab a cup of coffee, the parish also opened a small coffee shop on the lower level, called the Catacombs Café, continuing the Roman theme. It will be open Fridays after the 6:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. Masses to give people a place to gather.
Some space has been set aside for the youth group to gather on comfortable couches steps away from inexpensive coffee. “Java and Jesus” is held before school on Friday mornings with Mass and a quick reflection in the café.
Augherton can be reached at [email protected] or on X (formerly Twitter) @aughertonACH.
For more info
St. Agnes Church is located at 1910 N. Randolph St., Arlington. Contact the shop at [email protected].
