Magazine of the Year:
ONE Wins Record 31 Awards from Catholic Press Association

CNEWA’s flagship quarterly magazine, ONE, took top honors, including Magazine of the Year (in the mission magazine category) at the 2017 Catholic Press Association awards last week in Quebec City, Canada. The magazine won a total of 31 awards — the most in its history — in categories that included writing, photography, graphic design and online newsletter.

Citing the overall excellence of the publication, the award judges had many kind words:

“Some publications seem almost flawless; this is an example.”

“ONE magazine produces powerful narratives that illuminate stories rarely seen in other publications.”

The panel of judges was comprised of journalism professors from Marquette University and Spring Hill College.

A complete list of the awards can be found below, with links to the winning stories and comments from the judges:

First Place:

Magazine/Newsletter of the Year (Mission Magazine)
“Strong design and photography carries the reader through the pages and content is varied within the magazine’s focus; a selection of interesting topics in each issue.”

Best Single Photo (Black & White)
“Mother and Child Alone, Tashir, Armenia” by Nazik Armenakyan
“The image itself could tell the story of the child and family, conveying both emotions of sadness and hope. The full spread use of the photo also effectively places the focus on the child telling the reader that he is a major piece of the story.”

Best Photo Story (Feature Photo Story)
Focus: A Pictorial Journey to Egypt by John E. Kozar
“Two words that come to mind immediately are commitment and hardship. The first two images and others show the commitment of parishioners. The images of he community and its members highlight their hardships and how they remain committed.”

Best Personality Profile (Person of Interest)
A Survivor Speaks by Molly Corso
“A wonderfully crafted story about a true survivor who keeps herself too busy to let her situation get in the way of helping others with a smile. A great blend of excellent writing and an excellent subject.”

Best Layout of Article or Column (Mission Magazine)
When Rain Fails by Paul Grillo
“When pictures speak a thousand words, the reader knows it. The whole layout utilizes these images to achieve maximum impact. The reader’s eye moves around the page and back again. Solid design and use of graphics/typography make the entire package work well.”

Best Reporting of Social Justice Issues (Option for the Poor and Vulnerable)
When Rain Fails by James Jeffrey
“The story opens with a moving detail: a measuring tape carefully wrapped around the arm of a nine-month old baby, showing that she doesn’t get enough to eat. The piece goes on to explain that while Ethiopia has taken steps to recover form its 1984 famine, drought may push the country back into crisis. The language is urgent, clear and compelling.”

Second Place:

Graphic Artist/Designer of the Year
Paul Grillo
“The images are captivating and keep the reader interested. The creation and application of the 90 years anniversary graphic was cool. Strong branding and concepts. True talent with solid core messaging and textual strength.”

Best Photo Story (Feature Photo Story)
Focus: A Pictorial Journey to Ethiopia by John E. Kozar
“Both the colors and the emotions expressed within these images are vibrant and telling. In those images that are more cheerful you can see brighter colors and light. In those that highlight the struggle or challenges of the community, the images have more shadows and dull colors.”

Best Reporting on Vocations to Priesthood, Religious Life or Diaconate
On a Mission from God by Jose Kavi
“A timely article committed to showing how a service-oriented community touches lives and eases their suffering. The author creates a portrait of collective kindness with the appropriate cultural sensitivity while appealing to universal Catholic values.”

Best In-Depth/Analysis Writing (Best In-Depth Writing)
When Rain Fails by James Jeffrey
“This piece offers clear insight into the issue while balancing all the different factors and players involved with solving the crisis. Clarity meets with empathy in this piece.”

Best Coverage of Ecumenical/Interfaith Issues
Hearing the Voice of God in Africa; Deep Roots, Wide Branches; Where It All Began by Don Duncan and Greg Kandra
“Well-done pieces about an interesting topic. The artwork is excellent and each story does a good job of telling the individuals’ stories.”

Best Reporting of Social Justice Issues (Option for the Poor and Vulnerable)
‘My Great Hope is the Sisters’ by Jose Kavi
“This story raises up the voices of children in India who rarely have a chance to express their dreams. It’s an inspiring narrative of their efforts to get an education, helped by the Sisters of the Destitute. While the story details the setbacks and obstacles the community faces, it also provides tangible evidence of progress.”

Best Story and Photo Package
When Rain Fails by James Jeffrey and Petterik Wiggers
“The opening and closing images are the most visually striking. The opening image shows physically and metaphorically the long road ahead for many in he midst of the drought. The closing image is striking due to the juxtaposition of emotions. The two girls in shrouds seem forlorn and lost while the two young girls are giggly and oblivious to the loss around them.”

Best Electronic Newsletter
“Discover ONE Online” by Staff
“The design is inviting with a clear hierarchy. Beautiful photography.”

Third Place:

Best Essay Originating with a Magazine or Newsletter (Mission Magazine)
A Letter From Georgia by Anahit Mkhoyan
“The power of lived experience recounted pointedly and honestly draws the reader to want to fight for peace. Good writing for sure.”

Best Single Photo (Color)
“Young Student with Biscuit” by John E. Kozar
“Close cropping brings out the subject and his emotions and also the vibrant colors in the image. This image seems to lead into a photo essay and is a compelling entry point into the lives of these students.”

Best Photo Story (News Photo Story)
United in Faith, Prayer and Love by Staff
“Images convey the story of the ‘Faith, Prayer and Love’ by title with sorrow, excitement, seriousness and curiosity.”

Best Multiple Picture Package (Feature Package)
Armenia’s Children, Left Behind by Gayane Abrahamyan and Nazik Armenakyan
“Wonderful main photo. Liked the B&W.”

Best Feature Article (Mission Magazine)
Welcoming the Stranger by Diane Handal and Tamara Abdul Hadi
“A timely piece that gives context and humanizes the ideas that are central to American political discussions. The writer shows the people while discussing the facts in a clear and compassionate manner.”

Best Layout of Article or Column (Mission Magazine)
Armenia’s Children, Left Behind by Paul Grillo
“The black and white images draw the reader into the story and further the narrative. The layout is clean, uniform and encourages the reader to move through the story.”

Best Reporting of Social Justice Issues (Option for the Poor and Vulnerable)
Health on Wheels by Raed Rafei
“ONE magazine produces powerful narratives that illuminate stories rarely seen in other publications. This piece, about a mobile health clinic in Iraqi Kurdistan, chronicles residents’ arduous journeys to get medical care and find safe places to live. The close-up perspective on the families’ stories helps readers imagine the fear and strain of living in exile.”

Best Reporting on Social Justice Issues (Solidarity)
A Letter From Gaza by Suhaila Tarzai
“This first-person narrative poignantly details the plight of employees and patients at the only Christian hospital in Gaza. In a voice that is descriptive and emotional, yet measured, the writer bears witness to a crisis that demands a response.”

Honorable Mention:

Best Essay Originating with a Magazine or Newsletter (Mission Magazine)
A Letter From Gaza by Suhaila Tarazi

Best Single Photo (Black & White)
“Immaculate Conception Sisters and Children, Tashir, Armenia” by Nazik Armenakyan

Best Single Photo (Color)
“Students at St. Michael’s School, Aiga, Ethiopia” by John E. Kozar

Best Single Photo (Color)
“Family in Gaza” by Shareef Sarhan

Best Multiple Picture Package (Feature Package)
When Rain Fails by James Jeffrey and Petterik Wiggers
“Great photography about an interesting/timely subject.”

Best Coverage of Immigration
Surviving Without a Country in the Promised Land by Diane Handal; Armenia’s Children, Left Behind by Gayane Abrahamyan; Welcoming the Stranger by Diane Handal

Best Layout of Article or Column (Mission Magazine)
Ethiopia’s Sleeping Giant by Paul Grillo

Best Reporting of Social Justice Issues (Option for the Poor and Vulnerable)
Armenia’s Children, Left Behind by Gayane Abrahamyan

Best Web and Print Combination Package
Health on Wheels & “A Day on Zahko’s Mobile Clinic for Iraqi Refugees” by Raed Rafei “Very important story. Good print story and photos. Although online content is a video only, it is very intriguing, well done and important.”