‘Magazine of the Year’
CNEWA’s flagship publication, ONE, took top honors, including Magazine of the Year (in the mission magazine category) during the annual meeting of the Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada, held this year in late June 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 digital media. Citing the overall excellence of the publication, the award judges concluded: “Some publications seem almost flawless; this is an example.”
CNEWA’s president, and the publisher of ONE, Msgr. John E. Kozar, received a first place award for his photo essay, “A Pictorial Journey to Egypt.” The judges were impressed in particular by the subjects he captured and noted, “Two words that come to mind immediately are commitment and hardship. … The images of the community and its members highlight their hardships and how they remain committed.”
The magazine also won first place awards for personality profiles, layouts, photographs and reporting on social justice issues. The panel of judges was comprised of journalism professors from Marquette University and Spring Hill College. For a complete list of ONE’s awards, with links to the stories, visit www.cnewablog.org/web/cpa2017.
New Directions in Jerusalem
Sami El-Yousef, CNEWA’s regional director for Palestine and Israel since September 2009, has accepted an offer to assist Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, apostolic administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, in the financial administration and management of the patriarchate — the first layman to function in this capacity. The move took effect on 1 September.
“Although this move represents a loss to be sure,” wrote CNEWA’s president, Msgr. John Kozar, in a letter to donors and partners, “it also reflects the esteem that Archbishop Pizzaballa gives to Sami and to CNEWA-Pontifical Mission in asking for his assistance.
“We are honored that Sami has answered this call to serve the Church of Jerusalem. He has always distinguished himself by his keen intellect, his very open heart to others and his strong leadership abilities. This leadership has gone far beyond our office and has been very well recognized by many church leaders and dedicated Christians in this very challenging part of the world.”
We wish Sami well in his new endeavor — ma’bruk!
Milk to Iraqi Refugee Children
In August, 257 Iraqi refugee families living in the Jordanian capital city of Amman received milk and other supplies for their children under the age of 3.
“It was a very touching day, receiving the parents and some of their children and helping them feel part of the CNEWA family,” wrote CNEWA’s regional director for Jordan and Iraq, Ra’ed Bahou, about the day that included visits with the staff and the team of the Pontifical Mission Community Center.
CNEWA’s President Honored
On 1 August, the Saint Meinrad Alumni Association awarded CNEWA’s Msgr. Kozar its Distinguished Alumnus Award, noting that “the award was begun in 1990 to honor alumni who exemplify the Gospel values and who have provided exemplary service in their lives or professions.”
Msgr. Kozar attended Saint Meinrad High School and College of the Benedictine Archabbey of Saint Meinrad, graduating in 1967 and continuing his seminary studies at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Pittsburgh in 1971. Ad multos annos!
Thanks From Ethiopia
Recently, our office in Ethiopia received this wonderful note of thanks from Berhanu Kebede, who attended the Kidane Mehret Catholic School in Dessie. The school receives support from CNEWA’s generous benefactors.
Mr. Kebede wanted us to know that after graduating from the school, he went on to a university, where he received a degree in medical laboratory science. He is now an lecturer at a nearby college.
“I am doing my best to help my family as I can,” he writes. “I am going to visit Kidane Mehret School and try to motivate the students [by] telling my experience. I want to thank my school, teachers and all staffs, and all the benefactors who supported me from the beginning.”
We can only echo his words of gratitude to all our generous supporters who are improving the lives of so many around the world.
Saving Lives in India
Each year, encephalitis kills scores of children in the Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Gorakhpur in northeastern India, a flood-prone area near the border with the mountainous kingdom of Nepal. This year, reports CNEWA’s regional director in India, M.L. Thomas, dozens of children have died. The situation has become dire during this year’s monsoon season, which has unleashed dangerous flooding that has spread the disease.
With thanks to its donors, CNEWA has rushed funds to an encephalitis awareness program and medical camp administered by the eparchy. CNEWA is also providing additional support to the church’s Fatima Hospital to provide further treatment and free medical checkups to rickshaw pullers and the destitute.
CNEWA has long assisted the eparchy in its mission among the poor, the helpless and the abandoned, supporting Shelter Home at Padribazar for children in distress; Asara, an institution for children with special needs abandoned by their families; and Premashram, a home for girls operated by the Sisters of the Helpers of Mary.
“For decades, CNEWA has responded to the various needs of the church in Gorakhpur,” Mr. Thomas wrote, “especially in support of sick children and the poor, in whatever way we can.”
You can read more about CNEWA’s work in Gorakhpur on our blog, ONE-TO-ONE at: www.cnewablog.org/web/indiadiocese.