Pasay City, Philippines. The 19th Cardinal Sin Catholic Book Awards (CSCBA), a beacon for Catholic literature, concluded with a ceremony on September 11, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center during the Manila International Book Fair. The event, hosted by Fr. Julius Jose Coching, CMF, and Ms. Jojo Armenta, celebrated authors and publishers whose works embody Catholic values and teachings.
The awards night began with a welcome address from Mr. Jeffrey Javier, President of the Asian Catholic Communicators, Inc. (ACCI), the organization behind the awards. The highlight of the evening was a powerful keynote address by Ms. Rissa Singson Kawpeng, a revered figure in Catholic publishing.
Ms. Rissa, a former winner of the CSCBA’s Inspirational Category and a respected author, delivered a keynote address centered on the theme of “Communicating with Gentleness and Hope.” She emphasized that gentleness is not a sign of weakness but a reflection of God’s own communication style, as seen in the biblical story of Elijah and the gentle approach of Jesus. Ms. Rissa urged the audience to adopt this gentle approach in all aspects of life—family, work, and community—as a way to build bridges rather than walls.
Ms. Rissa also delved into the role of gentleness in resolving conflict, particularly in the digital age. She pointed out that a lack of gentleness fuels disunity and division. She encouraged seeking out opposing viewpoints to foster a more balanced perspective. In disagreements, she said, finding common ground and expressing different opinions respectfully are crucial for productive dialogue and peace.
Finally, Ms. Rissa explained that gentleness is a tangible manifestation of hope, born from the confidence that truth will ultimately prevail. She highlighted that hope shines brightest in times of suffering, drawing examples from St. Paul in prison and the transforming power of Nelson Mandela’s forgiveness and gentleness, which achieved unity and healing where force could not.
Between the awards announcements, guests were treated to inspiring intermission numbers by Ms. Marian Santiago-Bartolome, who performed “Blessings” and “With A Smile.”
The main event saw nine exceptional books recognized across various categories. A key highlight was the success of our very own Claretian Communications Foundation, Inc., which secured two top honors:
- Theology Category Winner: The Great Catholic Tradition of Social Concern, An Introduction to Catholic Social Thought by Ferdinand Santos.
- Homiletics Category Winner: Preaching the Signs of the Times, Homily Outlines for Sundays and Holidays of the Liturgical Year A,B,C by Joaquin Fuentes, SthD.
Other notable winners included:
- Children’s Book Category Winner: Cry, Dear Boy! Iyak lang, ‘toy! by Trist’n Buenaflor
- Liturgy Category Winner: Mga Awiting Pamsamba para sa Tatlong Araw ng Pagdiriwang ng Pagpapakasakit at Pagkabuhay ng Panginoon Isang Koleksyon by Ferdinand M. Bautista, Alvin Francisco Lozano
- E-books Category Winner: Ang Batang Pianista ng Aming Parokya by Teresa Gumap-as Dumadag
- Family Life Category Winner: Graces in Grief: Life After Loss by Reena Mangrobang Novales
- Ministry Category Winner: BEC Organizing, Transforming the Parish into a Community of Disciples by Rev. Fr. Joselito Jopson, SICL
- Spirituality Category Winner: The Faces of Divine Love, The Official Biography of Teofilo Bastida Camomot by Rev. Fr. Mhar Vincent Balili, SLL, MAPM
- Inspirational Category Winner: Journeys of Hope Emerges from the Depth of Adversity by Rome Vital
In addition to their wins, several books from Claretian Communications Foundation, Inc. were recognized as finalists, including Inang Santissima, We Give You Praise, The Grace of Vocation in the Spiritual Exercises, Like A Shining Lamp, Synodality & Women in Ministry, and Visita Iglesia.
The Asian Catholic Communicators, Inc. (ACCI)
The Cardinal Sin Catholic Book Awards is an initiative of the Asian Catholic Communicators, Inc. (ACCI), a non-stock, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Catholic literature and media. ACCI’s purpose is to unite Catholic publishers and media organizations in Asia, fostering collaboration and excellence in producing materials that evangelize and catechize. Its members include: Bayard Philippines, Catholic Book Center, Inc., Claretian Communications Foundation Inc., Don Bosco Press, Institute of Spirituality in Asia, Jesuit Communications Foundation, Inc., Logos Publications, Inc., Paulines Publishing House, St. Pauls, The Feast Books, and Word & Life Publications.
