St. Francis de Sales Award Recipients

  • 2024: Ana Rodriguez-Soto for her 40 years of exemplary service as a Catholic journalist and editor, bringing professionalism, dedication, and creativity to the Catholic news of the Archdiocese of Miami.
  • 2023: Barb Fraze for more than 25 years as a premier journalist and editor, providing international news to U.S. and global Catholic media outlets.
  • 2022: Ann Augherton for her unwavering commitment to professional journalism, especially in the Catholic press.
  • 2022: Timothy Walter (special) for his outstanding contribution to Catholic journalism, his unwavering commitment to uniting and building up Catholic media, and for his leadership of more than a decade as our Executive Director and guiding members through technology advances and the challenges of working during a pandemic.
  • 2021: Cindy Wooden for her career of service to Catholic journalism and by exemplifying the highest standards of our profession
  • 2020: John Feister for his commitment to effectively reach and faith-fully impact Catholics throughout the world
  • 2019: Mark Lombard for his high ethical standards, his respect for coworkers, his patience, his sense of order, his skillful communication—and his solid skill both as journalist and businessman.
  • 2018: Julie Asher for the professionalism she brings to her job and the ways she has raised the profile of the Catholic media nationwide
  • 2017: Matthew Schiller for his vision, his willingness to share his expertise with others and for sharing in the mission of Catholic journalism.
  • 2016: Maria Ruiz de Lourdes Scaperlanda for her dedication to Catholic media for more than 30 years, and for telling the human side of many of the tough social and political issues facing our state, Church and nation.
  • 2016: Archbishop Claudio Celli (special) for being an ardent supporter and advocate for the Catholic press around the world.
  • 2015: Greg Erlandson for his long-term contributions to multiple Catholic publications, his work with the Vatican and his leadership and contributions to the CPA.
  • 2015: Sister Mary Ann Walsh, RSM (special) for being a trailblazing journalist and a longtime spokeswoman for the USCCB
  • 2014: Jim Lackey for the first-rate quality of his reporting and editing, the wide reach of his work, and his tireless dedication to make the Catholic press great.
  • 2013: Peter Finney for his unequaled skills and outstanding leadership, all this is done with class, steady encouragement and enduring grace.
  • 2012: Helen Osman for the affirming, collaborative way she works. She is a role model for women leaders in the Catholic media and elsewhere for her ability to win the ear of decision makers through her character, her intelligence, vision and her grace under pressure.
  • 2011: Robert Zyskowski for his leadership, commitment to excellence and his ability to understand the big picture. He studies the demographic and readership trends that are changing the way the Catholic press must do business if it is to fulfill its mission in the future.
  • 2010: Anthony Spence for his contribution to the Catholic press, his leadership in the CPA and for seeing the importance of multimedia journalism as part of the mission of the church in the world.
  • 2009: Karen M. Franz for her leadership in the CPA and for serving as a role model to editors and to all women determined to pursue their vocation as Catholic journalists.
  • 2008: Chic Davis for his knowledge and expertise in business and advertising, and for his perseverance to deliver value to the dioceses and its readers through Catholic publications.
  • 2007: John Thavis for his in-depth knowledge of the workings of the Vatican and his ability to share that with fellow journalists and Catholic press readers.
  • 2006: Father Jack Wintz, OFM for his dedication to justice through the power of Catholic journalism and for radiating the truthful, gentle spirit of St. Francis de Sales.
  • 2006: Owen P. McGovern (special) for being a champion of the Catholic press during his service to the CPA as executive director, 1988-2005.
  • 2005: Oscar Reyes for his great faith, his remarkable strength of character and for his editorial excellence and innovation.
  • 2004: Gerald Costello for his outstanding and long-continuing performance in Catholic journalism with precisely the excellence, originality and initiative the award standards demand.
  • 2003: Jerry Filteau for a career of uncompromising journalism in the service of the Catholic press.
  • 2002: Dennis Heaney for his willingness to defend journalistic integrity; his deep and active spiritual life and his caring for people.
  • 2001: Anne Buckley for her enthusiasm for the job, personal sacrifice and dedication.
  • 2001: Cardinal Avery Dulles (special) for his contributions to the Catholic press.
  • 2000: Christopher Gunty for his zest for his mission as a Catholic journalist. Chris embodies all that is redeeming about Catholic journalism.
  • 1999 Robert G. Hoyt for his lifetime of service to the Catholic press, journalistic integrity and his lifelong promotion of truth and human dignity.
  • 1998 Arthur L. McKenna for his love of the Catholic press, his many selfless contributions and dedication over many years as CPA president, vice president, treasurer, board member and "mentor to all.”
  • 1997 Father Norman Perry, OFM for being a powerful voice for thoughtfulness, fairness and reason in his work as editor of St. Anthony Messenger, and for his dedication to the Catholic press.
  • 1996 Father Mark J. Brummel, CMF for his years of editorial direction, professional publishing leadership and his gentle guidance of the many Catholic publications he has made possible
  • 1995 Thomas N. Lorsung for a commitment to excellence, a belief in the power of the written word, an ability to take leadership roles in guiding the press to growth and development.
  • 1994 Barbara Beckwith for her dedication and effort in being a resourceful ambassador for the Catholic press in communications circles in the United States and worldwide through UCIP.
  • 1993 Father John Catoir for his long-time, outstanding contributions to the Catholic Church through books, syndicated column, articles and the Christopher News Notes.
  • 1992 Albina Aspell for her distinctive and eloquent leadership in the Catholic press and for her role as a dynamic force and inspiration.
  • 1991 Henry Gosselin for his outstanding example as a dedicated and innovative Catholic editor of an award-winning newspaper.
  • 1990 Penny Lernoux (posthumously) for being an exemplary journalist who continually pushed herself and others to live according to the challenges of the Gospel.
  • 1989 Father Owen F. Campion for excellence in his long career in religious journalism and in service to the CPA. Gracious, diplomatic, untiring devotion; a fine Southern gentleman.
  • 1988 Deacon Henry Libersat for management of five editions of The Florida Catholic, service to the CPA and its members and courageous and community-centered journalism.
  • 1988 James A. Doyle (special) for dedicated service to CPA as executive director, 1958-1988, counseling the Catholic press family with patience, wit, and integrity for 30 years.
  • 1987 Edward S. Skillin for his integrity, faith, charity, and commitment to the Church, and for 50 years of service to Catholic journalism at Commonweal magazine
  • 1987 Charles J. McNeill (special) for more than 50 years of service to the entire Catholic press and the CPA
  • 1986 Moises Sandoval for service as editor of Maryknoll and Revista Maryknoll magazines; and for his commitment to proclaim the truth in lands of the underprivileged and oppressed
  • 1985 Father Norman J. Muckerman, CSSR, for service as editor of Ligourian and CPA president, and as "professional leader and spiritual father figure" of the Catholic press
  • 1984 Msgr. George Gilmary Higgins for nearly 40 years analyzing the toughest social questions of his day, mainly through his NC News Service column, The Yardstick
  • 1984 Cardinal John P. Foley (special) for his selection as president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications; and service as editor of The Catholic Standard & Times and CPA officer
  • 1983 Ethel M. Gintoft for her professionalism, for being a trailbreaker for women in journalism, and her service to the CPA
  • 1982 Allen C. Bradley for his complete dedication to the Catholic press and for his outstanding service on the Mailers Technical Advisory Committee
  • 1981 John F. Fink for his outstanding services to the CPA and the International Catholic Union of the Press, and for exemplifying and encouraging Catholic press excellence
  • 1980 Father Thurston N. Davis, SJ for leading America magazine, as editor, for directing the John La Farge Institute, and for his work as consultant to the USCC
  • 1979 Father Walter J. Burghardt, SJ for his outstanding work in shaping the context of responsible freedom in which Catholic writers and editors should operate
  • 1978 Donald J. Thorman for his service in several Catholic press positions, and as editor and publisher of National Catholic Reporter
  • 1977 A.E.P. Wall for his example and promotion of high journalistic standards here and abroad, and for introducing the wire service at NC News Service
  • 1976 Lillian R. Block for her many years of service to the Catholic press and other media as editor/director of Religious News Service
  • 1975 Father John B. Sheerin, CSP for his quarter-century as editor of Catholic World, and for his outstanding ecumenical, international and social welfare activities
  • 1974 Gerard E. Sherry for his excellent service as editor, writer and reporter and for his work with the Catholic Press Association
  • 1973 Robert E. Burns for his outstanding work directing the operations of Claretian Publications, U.S. Catholic, and allied activities
  • 1972 Father Jeremy Harrington, OFM for his superior work as editor of St. Anthony Messenger magazine
  • 1972 Thomas A. Brennan (special) for service as legal counsel of the CPA
  • 1971 Francis A. (Bill) Fink for 40 years of service with Our Sunday Visitor and long service to the Catholic press
  • 1970 Msgr. Robert G. Peters for long-term service as editor of the Catholic Post, Peoria, and his service as chairman of the CPA/NC Liaison Committee
  • 1969 no award given
  • 1968 James P. Shannon for his liaison between bishops and the press as USCC press officer
  • 1967 Father John Reedy, CSC for his position paper on revitalization of the CPA
  • 1966 Joseph A. Breig for his long-term contributions to the Catholic Press
  • 1965 John Cogley for his work as Religious News Service Vatican II correspondent
  • 1964 Father Patrick O'Connor, SSC for his long-term contributions to the Catholic Press
  • 1963 Floyd Anderson, KSG for his long-term contributions to the Catholic Press
  • 1962 Father Albert J. Nevins, MM for directions of the CPA Latin American Program
  • 1961 Father John Courtney Murray, SJ for his book, "We Hold These Truths"
  • 1960 Frank A. Hall for long service as director-editor of NC News Service
  • 1959: Dale Francis for his "Operation Understanding" edition of Our Sunday Visitor