By Matters India Reporter
New Delhi, Jan 5, 2020: Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA) will honor noted peace activist Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil for his bold writings against communalism and fundamentalism that is gaining ground globally.
Former Supreme Court Judge Justice Kurien Joseph will confer the annual ‘Louis Careno Award for Excellence in journalism’ on the Salesian prelate during the 25th National Convention of Christian Journalists, to be held on February 29 in New Delhi.
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 a press release jointly issued by ICPA president Ignatius Gonsalves and secretary Capuchin Father Suresh Mathew.
“His razer-sharp analysis of socio-cultural and political issues, especially relating to North-East, has led to soul-searching debates and concrete peace initiatives, for which he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011,” the January 5 press note says.
Having spent a lion’s share of his life in northeastern India, the Kerala-born 84 year old archbishop’s writings reflect his deep understanding of the region’s cultural values and ethnic diversity. He minces no words in raising his voice against irrational, biased and unfair policies and decisions of the governments of all times. His articles are marked by scholarly insights, adding to their relevance.
Archbishop Thomas was asked by Pope Benedict XVI to prepare the meditation prayers for Way of the Cross in 2009, which the Pope himself led 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.
The Louis Careno Award for excellence in journalism is a joint venture of the Mumbai province of the Salesians of Don Bosco and the ICPA, a premier organisation of Catholic journalists, dailies and periodicals in India founded in 1964 by Jesuit Father John Barrett, an American, belonging to the Patna Province.
ICPA also annually awards best journalism in Hindi and journalism for SC/ST rights. These will be announced by next week.