Zagreb, (IKA) — In celebration of the 37th World Communications Day, the Croatian Association of Catholic Journalists organized a meeting between Catholic journalists and Archbishop Ivan Devčić of Rijeka, who is in charge of media relations for the Croatian Conference of Bishops.
On this occasion, awards were presented to Catholic journalists and editorial offices. The Lifetime Achievement Award of the Croatian Association of Catholic Journalists was presented to Dr. Mirko Juraj Mataušić, a Catholic communicologue, publicist and lecturer on the media at the Catholic College of Theology, Department of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb. Dr. Mataušić is also one of the founders of the Croatian Association of Catholic Journalists and the first executive director and general manager of Croatian Catholic Radio. The 2003 Achievement Award of the Croatian Association of Catholic Journalists was presented to the editor of Mali Koncil (MAK), Vojmil Žic. “Vojmil Žic gives the publication its artistic and graphic face, and does it so well that MAK is the Catholic children’s publication with the highest circulation per issue in our country.” Award recipients were presented with books published by Kršćanska sadašnjost and Teovizija of Zagreb.
At the meeting, there was also special recognition of Dr. Celestin Tomić, a retired professor of the Holy Scriptures, who for 40 years has written and published texts in Glasnik sv. Antuna Padovanskog [Herald of St. Anthony of Padua] and Veritas on Biblical themes and persons. Recognition was also given to the editorial office of the monthly Naša ogništa [Our Hearth] of Tomislavgrad on the occasion of the 300th issue of this publication, and to the editorial office of the Catholic monthly Svjetlo riječi [The Light of the Word] of Sarajevo on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of its publication, the Catholic monthly Zvonik [Belfry] of Subotica that is celebrating its 100th issue, and the Catholic Press Agency IKA-Zagreb on the occasion of its 10th anniversary. The awards and special recognition were made by Archbishop Devčić and the president of the Association of Croatian Catholic Journalists, Suzana Vrhovski.
At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Stjepan Baloban, head of the Center for the Promotion of the Social Doctrine of the Church, presented this year’s message from Pope John Paul II on the occasion of the 37th World Communications Day, which will be celebrated on Sunday, June 1, 2003. The topic of the Pope’s message is as follows: The Communications Media at the Service of Authentic Peace in the Light of “Pacem in Terris” — Peace in the World. Basing his remarks on the Pope’s message, Dr. Baloban noted the importance of championing the truth, supporting a just peace and safeguarding human dignity in the Catholic media, adding that it is necessary to place emphasis upon good and positive news.
Those assembled were addressed by Archbishop Devčić, who thanked all Catholic journalists for covering the life of the Church and promoting evangelical values. The archbishop congratulated those recognized and urged all to greater efforts in promoting the Good News via the media.