‘Religious Journalism at Its Best’:
ONE Honored for General Excellence at Catholic Press Awards

CNEWA’s multimedia magazine ONE once again took top honors at the Catholic Press Association awards dinner on Friday. The magazine won 17 awards — including First Place for General Excellence — at the Catholic Media Conference in St. Louis, Missouri.

In singling out the exceptional work of the magazine, the judges wrote:

Religious journalism at its best is an exchange of ideas. ONE magazine epitomizes exchanging ideas in that each issue is filled with a variety of ideas and issues, big and small, extravagant and simple. The stories are complete, well written and interesting. This is a great example of a link between missions and those of us at home.

Impressive visually and textually, ONE presents a global perspective on the need and efficacy of Catholic mission activity. Each issue enriches the reader with a broad view of the world wide Catholic community, its needs, challenges and achievements. Perhaps the most powerful tool in its communication array is the use of unforgettable, poignant photographs that draw one to the well-written text.

The panel of judges was comprised of journalism professors from Marquette University and Spring Hill College — many with extensive professional experience in the field.

A complete list of the awards for ONE can be found below, with links to the stories:

First Place:

General Excellence (Mission Magazine)
“Perhaps the most powerful tool in its communication array is the use of unforgettable, poignant photographs that draw one to the well-written text.”

Best Essay Originating With a Magazine or Newsletter (Mission Magazine)
A Letter From Ethiopia by Sister Ayelech Gebeyehu, D.C.
“A personal narrative told with not a note of cloying sentiment.”

Best Feature Article (Mission Magazine)
Coming Home by Don Duncan
“A very interesting look at the relationship of a monastery of old with its followers and locals in a world of continuous turmoil.”

Best Online Presentation of Multimedia Visuals
“Divine Intervention” by Raed Rafei
“An intimate portrait that shows the Syrian refugee crisis from an angle not generally explored. Very powerful.”

Best Electronic Newsletter
“Discover ONE Online” by Staff
“Top notch publication design. Attractive and easy to navigate. I enjoyed the content and just exploring the site.”

Second Place:

Best Multiple Picture Package (Feature Package)
A Day in the Life of a Husband, Father, Factory Worker, Priest by Karen Callaway
“Very interesting story. Great photos.”

Best Online Presentation of Multimedia Visuals
In Limbo in Lebanon: Iraqi Refugees Starting Over by Raed Rafei
“Stark and powerful storytelling through video interviews.”

Third Place:

Best Essay Originating With a Magazine or Newsletter (Mission Magazine)
A Letter From Ukraine by Olena Malchyn
“Tells a story that is likely unusual for its readers — a fresh angle, a fresh voice and personal details that make … the piece compelling.”

Best Annual Report (Catholic Nonprofit Organization)
CNEWA 2015 Annual Report by Staff
“Well designed with information … presented in a clear and consistent format.”

Best Single Photo Originating With a Magazine or Newsletter
“Chaldean Catholic sister congratulates newly ordained nephew” by Nancy Wiechec
“Storytelling images are often fleeting moments that are easily missed. This moment was captured and that … is all that was needed to tell this story.”

Best In-Depth Writing
Serving in the Red by Jose Kavi
“The quality of the fact reporting wrapped into a narrative that illustrates the beauty of the individuals involved is what made this piece stand out.”

Best Online Presentation of Multimedia Visuals
A Priest’s Wife by Joyce Duriga
“A frank, straightforward and informative interview format.”

Honorable Mentions:

Best Feature Article (Mission Magazine)
Casualties of War by Mark Raczkiewycz

Best Multiple Picture Package (Feature Package)
A Day in the Life of an Israeli Priest by Ilene Perlman
“Nice photos on an interesting topic.”

Best Online Content Not Published in Print (Written Content)
“Selected Blog Essays, November-December 2015” by Elias D. Mallon, S.A., Ph.D. — e.g.:

• “ ‘Nostra Aetate’ at 50”
• “CNEWA’s Co-Founder on the Path to Sainthood”
• “The Extraordinary Developments in Catholic-Jewish Relations”

“Cover[s] Catholic relations with other faiths in a way that encourages openness, honesty and trust. Historical documents … are used quite well. The blog writer … is very much the expert.”

Individual Excellence (Graphic Artist/Designer)
Paul Grillo
“Great use of space, color, text, photography and design principles. Consistency between pieces, but not sameness. Very good work.”

Individual Excellence (Editor)
J.D. Conor Mauro
“Engaging text. … Top-notch editing and design skills. A strong entry.”