A saint, the mother of a slain journalist, a young girl with autism and a tiny mouse are all among the stories celebrated by an annual award that lifts up “lights in the darkness.”
The Christophers, a nonprofit promoting hope and faith in media, announced the winners of its 76th annual Christopher Awards on April 3.
Founded in 1945 by Maryknoll Father James Keller, the New York-based organization encourages all “to use their God-given talents to make a positive difference in the world” and “to seek out God’s help when facing life’s inevitable challenges,” according to the nonprofit’s website.
The Christophers spread that message through an array of publications, radio broadcasts and podcasts that exemplify its motto, taken from a proverb of unconfirmed origin that states, “It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.”
The 21 films, television programs and books receiving Christopher Awards this year exemplify “people who are trying to bring light” to challenging situations through compassion, courage and “the sacrifices necessary to help others make the world a better place,” Tony Rossi, director of communications for The Christophers, told OSV News.
This year’s award roster includes Angel Studios’ biopic “Cabrini,” which depicts the life and Mission of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, foundress of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Known as Mother Cabrini, she was named patroness of immigrants in 1950, four years after her canonization by Pope Pius XII. Her life of service to U.S. Italian immigrant communities during the late 19th and early 20th centuries saw her establish close to 70 schools, hospitals and orphanages despite daunting odds.
The documentary “Heart of a Servant,” which profiles late Father Edward Flanagan and his creation of Boys Town, was also recognized by The Christophers. The film was made by Spirit Juice Studios, with Jonathan Roumie — who plays Jesus Christ in the hit series “The Chosen” — as executive producer.
Hallmark Mystery’s “A Dance in the Snow” received an award for its portrayal of a mother and her teen daughter, who has high-functioning autism, amid plans for a sensory-friendly high school dance, while facing the girl’s plans to enroll in college across the country.
Among the books tapped for the award are “American Mother” (Etruscan Press), in which Diane Foley, along with author Colum McCann, recounts her journey of faith in grieving the 2014 murder of her son, journalist James Foley, by the Islamic State group in Syria. Following the loss of her son, a Marquette University graduate, Foley has drawn on her faith to work for the release of other American hostages held abroad, and has shown compassion and grace toward her son’s killers.
The Christophers singled out “Manoli the Greek Mouse” by George Psomas and illustrator Penny Serrano for its main character’s adventure of self-discovery in his village, during which he discovers his unique talent is a generous heart.
All of the winning creators do not deny hardship and difficulty in their various works, but instead confront them with courage and authentic hope, Rossi told OSV News.
“The stories all include elements of darkness,” he said. “That’s certainly present, but we’re focusing on the people who are trying to bring light to those situations.”
That light is pervasive, and not limited to strictly religious works of literature, film and television, he added.
Throughout the Christopher Awards’ history, there have always been “secular stories mixed in with the religious stories,” Rossi said. “We can find Gospel values even in secular stories where maybe God isn’t overtly mentioned, (but) you can still find that principle.”
He pointed to the winning book “Time to Thank” (Post Hill Press/Simon & Schuster), in which actor Steve Guttenberg recounts his time as a caregiver for his father, Stan, who suffered from kidney failure.
While Guttenberg “could have passed off his father to a home or to other people … he loved his father and took that on himself,” said Rossi. “And I think just inherently in that story, God is present in the love that he is showing to his father.”
Ultimately, said Rossi, the Christopher Awards come down to a basic premise.
“We’re talking about loving God and neighbor,” he said. “We sometimes overcomplicate things. … If we open our eyes to see God’s presence in these different stories, in other people; if we allow ourselves to walk in their shoes … it opens our minds and our hearts and our souls to live a more faithful, fruitful life.”
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