Catholic Press Association newspaper and book awards were received by The Tidings, Archbishop José Gomez and local authors at the annual Catholic Media Convention held June 18-20 in Charlotte, N.C.
The Tidings earned four awards in the Newspaper Category, with Victor Aleman earning two for photography including first place for Best Photo-Illustration, for his cover photo of the July 12, 2013 issue, entitled “The Light of Faith,” to illustrate Pope Francis’ encyclical “Lumen Fidei.” Judges called it a “nice candle light photo anchored by the two girls and framed by the two adults.”
Aleman also received honorable mention in Best General News Photo for his cover photo of the Jan. 25, 2013 issue, “Life Is So Precious,” from the Respect Life Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. Judges called the photo a “wonderful moment between father and daughter. Photograph is perfect for the message. Also well-executed, good composition, good use of depth of field.”
In Best Coverage of Immigration, writer Doris Benavides earned honorable mention for her June 14, 2013 story, “Immigrations Issues: Concerns Throughout the Western Hemisphere,” on the local meeting of U.S. bishops to promote a path to citizenship for undocumented people. “Showing the solid backing of the clergy is an important and well-accomplished mission through these writings,” the judges said.
For best Online/Multimedia Presentation of Visuals, producer Paula Doyle and editor Davy Cheng received honorable mention for their Oct. 25, 2013 video report on the Missionary Childhood Association Mass of Oct. 17, 2013. “A vibrant and energetic video that captures the spirit of the Missionary Childhood Association Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels,” said the judges.
Book awards
In the Books Category, Archbishop Gomez received second place in books on Immigration, for “Immigration and the Next America,” published by Our Sunday Visitor Press. Judges called this a “historical perspective on the immigration issue going back to the days of the Spanish influence and challenging our idea of ‘Who is an American?’ Archbishop Gomez attempts to widen the vision beyond the history as seen only from the perspective of the United States. This is a resource that will aid in expanding our own insights and vision.”
The 2013 Archdiocese of Los Angeles Catholic Directory, produced by The Tidings, won its second first place award in the last three years for Best Diocesan Directory (editors Hermine Lees and Chris Krause, production José Velasquez and Michelle Rugel).
“Large-size book for a large-size archdiocese with good information on each parish or other institutions, spiral-bound and side-tabbed for easy access to the various sections,” the judges said. “A good and practical tool with easy access to the pertinent information cleanly presented in an organized way.”
The 2013 Diocese of Orange Directory, also produced in conjunction with The Tidings staff, received fourth place in the category, with Velasquez, Rugel and content editors Mary Kay Griffing and Simona Tonti earning the award.
For books on Faith and Science, Dr. Christopher Kaczor, professor of Philosophy at Loyola Marymount University, earned second place for his book, “A Defense of Dignity, Creating Life, Destroying Life and Protecting the Rights of Conscience” (University of Notre Dame Press). “Referencing both contemporary philosophical arguments and recent papal documents, it provides a clear, concise and closely reasoned outline of traditional Catholic teachings on the subject,” said the judges.
In “The Year of Faith” category, Covina-based author Terry Barber, founder of St. Joseph Communications, received fourth place for his book, “How to Share Your Faith with Anyone: A Practical Guide for Catholic Evangelization” (Ignatius Press).
