Works by five Notre Dame Theology Professors were honored with 2013 Catholic Press Association Awards.
Eternal Consciousness, by John S. Dunne (University of Notre Dame Press, Notre Dame, IN), received first place in the category of "Spirituality - Soft Cover." According to the Catholic Press, Prof. Dunne's book "focuses on the quest to explore eternal consciousness and its meaning in relation to the fulfillment of one’s self. He shares his insight that eternal life is the deeper life of relatedness to others, to God, and to self. This well-written book, enhanced by the inclusion of his original songs, provides the incentive for readers to continue the personal search."
Latino Catholicism: Transformation in America's Largest Church, by Timothy Matovina (Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ), was awarded first place in the category of "History." The Catholic Press calls Prof. Matovina's work "a towering and timely overview of the Latino Catholic experience in America from the sixteenth century to the present, with particular focus on the important ways the U.S. Catholic Church, its evolving Latino majority and American culture are mutually transforming one another."
Vast Universe, by Thomas F. O'Meara, OP ( Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN), was awarded second place in the "Faith and Science" category. Emeritus Prof. O'Meara's work was described as "a mind expanding work by a brilliant theologian [who] explores the question of the enormity of the cosmos, extraterrestrial life, and its impact on our understandings of incarnation, grace, and community in a way that is sensitive to science. The perspectives of past thinkers help the reader imagine the incredible possibilities, while encountering the depth and breadth of the love of the Creator in a new way."
"Waiting for Gabriel” by Timothy P. O'Malley (America Magazine, New York, NY) received second place in the "Best Essay" category. Prof. O'Malley's essay was described as "heartfelt and tender, and an unflinchingly personal reflection."
The Chapels of Notre Dame, by Lawrence Cunningham, with photography by Matt Cashore (University of Notre Dame Press, Notre Dame, IN), was awarded third place in the category of "Popular Presentation of the Catholic Faith." The Press described Emeritus Prof. Cunningham's book as, "an astonishingly handsome book with sparkling focus: the Catholic faith as celebrated every day in our preeminent Catholic University — in 61 different chapels on Notre Dame's campus. It's a creative book idea done beautifully with great photos and text."
Congratulations to Profs. Dunne, Matovina, O'Meara, O'Malley and Cunningham!