RCL Benziger’s roots trace back to 1792, when Joseph Charles Benziger established a small business selling devotional books in Einsiedeln, Switzerland—a town with deep monastic and pilgrimage traditions. Over the next few decades, Benziger quickly grew into one of Switzerland’s leading publishers, known for its commitment to quality and devotion. When lithography was invented, Joseph’s sons, Nicholas and Charles, leveraged this new printing technology to create a thriving holy card business, further solidifying their reputation in the religious publishing world.
Expansion to the United States
The company’s influence spread to America in 1853, when the first Benziger printing house opened in New York City. Catering to the needs of Catholic immigrants, the New York branch published religious books in Polish, German, and English. The Benziger name became a familiar one for Catholic families throughout rural America, as the Benziger sales wagon traveled along the Ohio River, delivering Bibles and prayer books to underserved communities.
Benziger’s contributions were formally recognized by the Vatican, which granted the firm the title of “Printers to the Holy Apostolic See” in 1867. This distinction was followed by the prestigious designation of “The Pontifical Institute of Christian Art” in 1888, reflecting Benziger’s status as a premier publisher of religious materials.
Mergers and Growth
The modern era brought several changes to the company. In 1968, Benziger was acquired by Macmillan/McGraw Hill School Publishing Co. Inc. It later merged with Bruce Publishing, founded in Milwaukee in the 1890s, and Glencoe Press, a Beverly Hills-based publisher, established in 1966. This consolidation aimed to enhance the company’s reach in religious education.
In 2007, CFM Publishing acquired the Benziger name and combined it with RCL—Resources for Christian Living—to establish RCL Benziger, a leading entity in catechetical publishing known for its innovative religious education resources. Later that year, RCL Benziger also acquired Silver Burdett Ginn Religion, merging all entities and further strengthening its offerings with unparalleled materials and services for the Catholic faith community.
A New Chapter with Kendall Hunt
In 2016, RCL Benziger joined Kendall Hunt Publishing Company, a family-owned business with a long-standing history in religious publishing. This acquisition strengthened both brands’ ability to serve the Catholic community.
Today, Ohio-based RCL Benziger remains a leading provider of religious education resources, offering comprehensive programs for Catholic dioceses, parishes, and schools, while maintaining its dedication to quality and faith-based education.
Our Mission Statement
RCL Benziger is a team of resourceful and creative people dedicated to providing the Catholic community with the highest quality products, programs, and services which are rooted in the Christian faith. We are customer focused and committed to enriching the lives of individuals, families, and communities worldwide. We value integrity, respectful collaboration, enthusiasm, and sound business principles.