Guwahati: The Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA) will honour noted peace activist Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil, conferring its prestigious annual ‘Louis Careno Award for Excellence in journalism’ for his bold writings against communalism and fundamentalism that is gaining ground globally.
The Award will be conferred on the Archbishop by former Supreme Court judge Justice Kurien Joseph, during the 25th National Convention of Christian Journalists, organized by the ICPA, scheduled to be held in Delhi, on 29 February 2020.
“Archbishop Menamparampil’s name is synonymous with peace, inter-community dialogue and social harmony. His incisive, thought-provoking writings on these subjects have broken new grounds,” says ICPA President Mr Ignatius Gonsalves.
Kochi based senior journalist Mr Gonsalves adds, “His razer-sharp analysis of socio-cultural and political issues, especially relating to North-East, have led to soul-searching debates and concrete peace initiatives.”
Besides being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011, former archbishop of Guwahati received “Ambassador for Peace” award from the International Human Rights Council, New Delhi on 9th December 2019.
Having spent a lion’s share of his life in the North-East, the Kerala-born 84 year old Archbishop’s writings reflect his deep understanding of the region’s cultural values and ethnic diversity.
Editor of Indian Currents weekly and ICPA Secretary Capuchin Father Dr. Suresh Mathew says, “His articles are marked by scholarly insights and he minces no words in raising his voice against irrational, biased and unfair policies and decisions of the governments of all times.”
Archbishop Thomas was asked by Pope Benedict XVI to prepare the meditation prayers for Way of the Cross in 2009, which the Pope himself lead on Good Friday at the Roman Colosseum. He is the only Indian and second Asian to prepare the meditation prayers for the 'Way of the Cross' lead by the Holy Father. Salesian Cardinal Joseph Zen of Hong Kong had prepared the Way of the Cross for the pope in 2008.
Conferred annually on deserving individuals or institutions, Louis Careno Award for excellence in journalism is a joint venture of the Mumbai Province of the Salesians of Don Bosco and the Indian Catholic Association (ICPA), a Premier Organisation of Catholic journalists, Dailies and Periodicals in India founded in 1964 by Fr John Barrett, an American Jesuit, belonging to the Jesuit Patna Province.
Fr José Luis Carreño (23 October 1905 - 29 May 1986) was a Spanish Salesian and pioneering missionary in India and the Philippines. Founder of the premier Indian institution Sacred Heart College, Tirupattur, Vellore, Tamilnadu Fr Carreno was a writer, poet, and musician. The 9th successor of Don Bosco, Rector Major of the Salesians, Fr Pascual Chavez Villanueva, called him as "the great missionary of India and of the Philippines in the footsteps of St. Francis Xavier."
ICPA also annually awards best journalism in Hindi and Journalism for SC/ST rights. These will be announced by next month.
Add new comment