Maryknoll’s Magazines Receive 18 CPA Awards

Maryknoll magazine and Revista Maryknoll, published by the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, captured 18 awards, including eight first-place awards, from the Catholic Press Association. The awards were presented at the 2014 Catholic Media Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Among the winning articles were Maryknoll magazine's "Detaining God's Children” by Gaby Romeri for best feature story. Romeri also won first-place in the Spanish-language category for Best Online/Multi-Media Presentation of Visuals for "Nuestro Papa Misionero.” Revista Maryknoll editor David Aquije received three first place-awards for Spanish-language best feature, best personality profile and best coverage of vocations to the priesthood.

A photo meditation—“Going Forth in Faith"—by Maryknoll Father Joseph Veneroso, was acknowledged as best poetry in an all-inclusive category that included magazines and newspapers.  Maryknoll magazine's article "The Spirit of Vatican II" by John O'Malley S.J. received the best coverage prize for the 50th anniversary of Vatican II.

The following list includes all the awards received by Maryknoll’s magazines.

Maryknoll Magazine

Best Original Poetry

First Place: Maryknoll, "Going Forth in Faith" by Joseph R. Veneroso, M.M.

• Judge’s comment: “Very inspirational, with beautiful photography to complement the words.”

Best Cover - 4 Color, Small (up to 6x9.5)

First Place: Maryknoll, “Our Missionary Pope” by Kimberly Garrett

• Judge’s comment: “The joy in this image and the physical connection between the Pope and dove make this a very compelling image. The decision to keep the cover blurbs to a single one, centered at the bottom in an elegant type was a wise one.”

Second Place: Maryknoll, “Guatemala Crying for Justice” by Sean Sprague, Kimberly Garrett

• Judge’s comment: “The color surrounding the child’s tear stained face work effectively to visually reinforce the cover blurb. The type contrast is nicely done—quiet but effective.”

Best Essay - Mission magazines, overseas and home

Third Place: Maryknoll, “A Matter of Kindness” by John Beeching, M.M.

Best Single Photo - Color

Third Place: Maryknoll, “Going Forth in Faith” by Sean Sprague, Kimberly Garrett

•  Judge’s comment: “The joy and satisfaction this man receives in his mission is obvious.”

Best Personality Profile

Third Place: Maryknoll, “'Heaven Sent'” by Sean Sprague

• Judge’s comment: “A story about a wonderful humanitarian told in a way that will keep readers to the end.”

Best Coverage of the 50thAnniversary of Vatican II

First Place: Maryknoll, “The Spirit of Vatican II” by John W. O'Malley, S.J.

• Judge’s comment: “A conversational tone makes this history of Vatican II accessible and insightful for anyone who reads the article—or heard the original speech.”

Best Feature Article - Mission magazines, overseas and home

First Place: Maryknoll, “Detaining God's Children” by Gabriela Romeri

• Judge’s comment: “From the title, to the engaging opener followed by in-depth reporting and research, this article is both insightful and elegantly written.”

General Excellence - Mission magazines, overseas and home

Second Place: Maryknoll, Maryknoll magazine staff, Kimberly Garrett

• Judge’s comment: “This publication sets itself apart by exploring traditions across diverse faiths. Its humble print format expresses a greater sense of humility that is reflected in the thoughtful writing and images.”

Revista Maryknoll

Best Feature Story

First Place: Revista Maryknoll, “Compasión Misionera en Anlong Knang” (“Missionary Compassion in Anlong Knang”) by David R. Aquije

• Judge’s comment: “I looked for articles that needed more than an event to become ‘news’ because the definition of a ‘feature’ is something the reporter discovered on their own and resolved to cover. The theme of this article is fascinating and it made me think and learn something about our world.”

Second Place: Revista Maryknoll, “De Genocidio a Justicia” (“From Genocide to Justice”) by Gabriela Romeri

• Judge’s comment: She [the writer] relates the history of Guatemala during a tragic period and especially how justice can arrive, even if it comes late.

Best Personality Profile

First Place: Revista Maryknoll, “Motivada por la Fe” (“Motivated by Faith”) by David R. Aquije

• Judge’s comment: “This is a masterful profile. The quotes are well placed within the narrative of the article, making this a much more compelling read than a simple Q&A. There is also a palpable effort to do secondary research, which enhances the educational component.”

Third Place: Revista Maryknoll, “Compasión y Misión en Ohio” (“Compassion and Mission in Ohio”) by Giovana Soria

• Judge’s comment: “The piece is very successful in telling a story with quotes and facts.”

Best Lead Article

Third Place: Revista Maryknoll, “Los Niños del Desierto” (“The Children of the Desert”) by Gabriela Romeri

• Judge’s comment: “A fascinating look at some of the uncovered aspects of immigration issues. The piece is successful in establishing a connection between policy and faith.”

Best Coverage of Immigration

Honorable Mention: Revista Maryknoll, “Los Niños del Desierto” (“The Children of the Desert”) by Gabriela Romeri

• Judge’s comment: “Great marriage of photography and feature writing on a story that is a tough but great read.”

Best Coverage of Vocations To Priesthood—Religious Life

First Place: Revista Maryknoll, “Misión Como Encuentro” (“Mission as an Encounter”) by David R. Aquije

• Judge’s comment: “Aquije is a phenomenal storyteller. He is in a league of his own.”

Best Single Photo – Color

Honorable Mention: Revista Maryknoll, “Compasión Misionera en Anlong Knang” (“Missionary Compassion in Anlong Knang”) by Valentín Concha-Núñez, Sean Sprague

• Judge’s comment: “So much information layered in the image. It goes beyond the portrait on the surface.”

Best Online/Multi-Media Presentation of Visuals

First Place: Revista Maryknoll, “Nuestro Papa Misionero” (“Our Missionary Pope”) by Gabriela Romeri [videos created in both English and Spanish]

• Judge’s comment: “Very professional documentary. Music works perfectly, quotes by His Holiness fit in well.”