A story on World Youth Day which featured in the August 2008 issue of Wel-com won best devotional article applying faith to life at the Australasian Catholic Press Awards in Sydney last month.
The judge Noel Debien described ‘ Seek the treasure of your heart – a WYD reflection’ by Heath Hutton of Challenge 2000 as ‘a very readable and engaging personal experience of the tensions between difference and unity during World Youth Day’.
It was informative, entertaining and analytical and a second reading evoked a sense of Avery Dulles SJ’s book Models of the Church.
‘While personal, the piece nevertheless reflects a sense of both hope and faith. It links itself to the lectionary readings and so the church’s three-year prayer cycle,’ Mr Debien said.
‘Managing to avoid being didactic, it also speaks of compassion and respect among the many Catholics gathered together and interacting at World Youth day.’
Heartfelt, he said Heath’s article read with a sense of humility and wonder at the differences experienced.
‘As such, it is a devotional article focused on the mystery of the church as Christ present – and without even saying this in words. It is an article which moves the reader- with simplicity- to devotion. It is as Francis of Assisi might have said: "Preach the Gospel every day, even if you have to use words".’
For a full list of winners and judges’ comments:
ACPA Awards for Excellence 2009 (ACPA media Release)