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NOTRE DAME, IN— Ave Maria Press was the most awarded publisher at the 2025 Association of Catholic Publishers (ACP) Excellence in Publishing Awards, earning ten honors—more than any other publisher. The standout achievement was a complete sweep of the General Interest category, with Ave Maria Press capturing all four top awards. The publisher also received the most First Place honors across categories. General Interest Category: Complete Sweep Ave Maria Press swept the General Interest category, taking the top four awards: First Place: A Catholic Guide to Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss: Compassionate Answers to Difficult QuestionsAuthor: Abigail Jorgensen | Editor: Eileen Ponder | Designer: Brianna Dombo Second Place: Intensive Caring: A Practical Handbook for Catholics about Serious Illness and End-of-Life CareAuthor: Natalie King, MD | Editor: Eileen Ponder | Designer: Andy Wagoner Third Place (Tie):A Journey through the Catechism: Unveiling the Truth, Beauty, and Goodness of the Catholic FaithAuthor: Fr. Daniel J. Mahan | Editor: Michael Amodei | Designer: Andy WagonerTalking with Your Teen about Sex: A Practical Guide for CatholicsAuthor: Julia Sadusky | Editor: Kristi McDonald | Designer: Christopher D. Tobin Additional Awards Across Key Categories General Prayer First Place: Jesus, Make Me Fully Alive: 30 Holy Hour ReflectionsAuthor: Fr. Tim Anastos | Designer: Andy Wagoner Prayer: Seasonal Resources First Place: Encountering Emmanuel: A Guided Advent Journal for Prayer and MeditationAuthor: Heather Khym | Editor: Kristi McDonald | Designer: Brianna Dombo | Illustrator: Josiah Henley Resources for Ministry First Place: A Journey through the Catechism: Unveiling the Truth, Beauty, and Goodness of the Catholic FaithAuthor: Fr. Daniel J. Mahan | Editor: Michael Amodei | Designer: Andy Wagoner Third Place (Tie): Redeeming Power: Exercising the Gift as God IntendedAuthor: Ann M. Garrido | Editor: Eileen Ponder | Designer: Samantha Watson Inspirational Second Place: A Saint Squad for Teachers: 45 Heavenly Friends to Carry You through the School YearAuthor: Amy J. Cattapan | Designer: Brianna Dombo Spirituality Third Place (Tie): Welcoming the Holy Spirit with Padre PioAuthor: Susan De Bartoli | Designer: Katherine Robinson These accolades reflect Ave Maria Press’s ongoing mission to serve the Church—as a ministry of the Congregation of Holy Cross—by publishing resources that are faithful, practical, and inspiring. “We’re honored and humbled by this recognition,” said Karey Circosta, Publisher and CEO of Ave Maria Press. “These awards affirm our commitment to creating resources that fulfill our mission of setting hearts on fire for Christ and support Catholics in every season of life.” Congratulations to the gifted authors, editors, designers, and illustrators whose work has been honored!

Today, Catholics around the world join in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, who passed away peacefully at the age of 88. The Holy Father, known for his humility, warmth, and deep compassion, led the Catholic Church for more than a decade, offering a steadfast witness to the sanctity of all human life and a radical call to mercy and love. As the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to hold the papacy, Pope Francis broke new ground from the moment he appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in 2013. His papacy was marked not by pomp or privilege, but by a consistent devotion to the poor, the vulnerable, and the marginalized. In his 2017 TED Talk, watched by millions around the globe, Pope Francis called for a “revolution of tenderness.” “What is tenderness?” he asked. “Tenderness means to use our eyes to see the other, our ears to hear the other... to take care of those in need.” These words captured the heart of his pastoral mission—one rooted in encounter, listening, and love. One of the most iconic moments of his papacy came on March 27, 2020, when, amid the fear and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, he stood alone in a rain-soaked St. Peter’s Square to offer the Urbi et Orbi blessing. With the Blessed Sacrament held high, he reminded the world that “Jesus is in the boat” with us, even in the storm. His powerful message of hope and solidarity will (hopefully) never be forgotten. Over the course of his pontificate, Pope Francis authored four encyclicals and seven apostolic exhortations, including Laudato Si’, his groundbreaking letter on care for our common home, and Evangelii Gaudium, a joyful invitation to renew the Church’s mission of evangelization. His writings continue to inspire Catholics to live out the Gospel with courage, compassion, and joy. Though we mourn his passing, Pope Francis’s legacy lives on—in his words, his witness, and the countless lives he touched. Let these words from Pope Francis continue to guide and challenge us:"Whatever you do, don’t be the sorry sight of an abandoned vehicle! Don’t be parked cars, but dream freely and make good decisions. Take risks, even if it means making mistakes. Don’t go through life anaesthetized or approach the world like tourists. Make a ruckus! Cast out the fears that paralyze you, so that you don’t become young mummies. Live! Give yourselves over to the best of life!” (Christus Vivit, 143) "A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just." - Angelus, March 17, 2013 Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.