Three book authors with local ties won awards for their publications during the Catholic Press Association’s convention in Indianapolis June 20-22.
* Marvin L. Mich, director of social policy and research at Rochester’s Catholic Family Center, won first place in the Educational Books category for The Challenge and Spirituality of Catholic Social Teaching.
"A compelling testament of the author’s introduction to the stories of the oppressed and his gradual transformation into a person committed to make a difference," the judges wrote. "His narrative movingly documents his personal encounters with the poor and marginalized and then documents his efforts to bring others into similar life-changing encounters. The gap between theory and practice are bridged in the reality and the authenticity of these stories."
* Mich and Deacon George Dardess won third place in the Pastoral Ministry category for their book, In the Spirit of St. Francis & the Sultan.
"Taking the visit of St. Francis to the Sultan of Egypt as a guide to the establishment of peace between Christians and Muslims, the authors seek to bring about an understanding of each faith that will break down the current debilitating walls of prejudice and suspicion," the judges wrote. "By making a sincere effort to represent each faith in an evenhanded manner, they endeavor to present their ideas in a way that gives respect and honor to each group. This book is an important contribution to the desired goal of uniting both faiths in the mission of peacemaking in the world. The insights of this book are very pertinent to Christian-Muslim relations in today’s volatile world."
* Father Charles Curran, a diocesan priest who is a professor at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, won third place in the Social Concerns category for The Social Mission of the U.S. Catholic Church.
"Situates the church’s social mission within its rich historical journey and challenges all segments of the church to take up … the challenge of the Gospel through cultural transformation," the judges wrote.
