Three books recently published by Ave Maria Press are finalists for the Excellence in Publishing Awards by the Association of Catholic Publishers.
Lisa M. Hendey’s The Grace of Yes is a finalist in the inspirational category.
In her newest book, Hendey, popular Catholic blogger and founder of CatholicMom.com, explores eight spiritual virtues she believes are foundational to Christian life. Through her own spiritual journey, she helps readers learn about belief, generativity, creativity, integrity, humility, vulnerability, saying no, and starting over, and shows how these virtues lead to generous living and the ability to joyously say yes to god.
Basil Moreau: Essential Writings, edited by Revs. Andrew Gawrych, C.S.C., and Kevin Grove, C.S.C., is a finalist in the theology category.
The book is an anthology of the important published and previously unpublished writings of the founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, Blessed Basil Moreau. It includes selections from Fr. Moreau’s sermons, pastoral letters, educational treatises, and spiritual reflections, which reveal a figure who was no stranger to difficulty and conflict, but who also was deeply committed to a hope that can only emerge from Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection.
When Saint Francis Saved the Church by Jon M. Sweeney is a finalist in the general interest category.
Sweeney offers a surprising look at the world’s most popular saint, showing how this beloved, but often-mythologized character created a spiritual vision for the ages that may well have rescued the Christian faith. The book also connects Saint Francis and his teachings with that of Pope Francis today.
“It is striking how many of the finalists—across categories—focus on holy people including saints like Pope John Paul II, John XXIII, and Francis and others like Basil Moreau who are models for discipleship,” noted Therese Brown, ACP’s executive director. “Pope Francis’ concerns for mercy and justice have energized a variety of authors and publishers based on what we see in this list.”
First-, second-, and third-place awards in each of nine categories, recognizing the best in Catholic writing, will be given at the 2015 Religious Booksellers Trade Exhibit in St. Charles, Ill. A "book of the year" also will be awarded.
For more information and a complete list of finalists, check out the ACP website.
