October 29, 2008 – Last weekend I attended the Gabriel Awards  presented the Catholic Academy of Communication Arts Professionals, of which I am First Vice President.

The Gabriel Awards, named for St. Gabriel, who is the Patron of television, radio and all electronic digital communications pay tribute to exceptional radio, television and film projects that focus on the essence of the human spirit and the dignity of humanity. As I sat in the ballroom of the Millennium Biltmore hotel with its grand columns and regal design, I couldn’t help but think back to the early days of the Oscars, which were held in the same place in the 1930’s.

The Gabriel Awards are always quite moving because of the nature of what they honor in both religious and secular broadcasting and film. I sat with a young woman who won an award for a documentary entitled, “Moving On: Jenna’s Marathon”, the story of a 13 year old girl  with cerebral palsy who competed in a 32 hour swimming marathon—using only her arms in water that reached six foot swells.

Another award winner was about Mother Antonia, a twice divorced mother of eight who became a nun and moved Tijuana Mexico, and lives inside a jail and ministers to the men who are incarcerated there. “The Ultimate Resource” is a television documentary that tells the story of the largest movement out of poverty in Bangladesh—and those leading the way out of poverty are women who get small loans to begin their own business and generate income. 96% of the loans are repaid in full.

From winners of 13 consecutive Gabriels to first time winners, each and everyone thanked the Catholic Academy for recognizing their work and in many conversations with the winners, you could hear the pure joy and gratefulness in their voice that they were honored tonight. What a pleasure it was to be a part of the organization that rewards the hard work and talent of these men and women.

So here’s to hoping that amidst all of the lousy television, violent and noisy films that maybe you will run across a TV program or film that has been a Gabriel Award winner in the past or may become one of the future. Click here for a complete list of this year’s winners.

Sally