Fr. Andrew Gimenez Recepcion of the Archdiocese of Caceres is scheduled to receive a National Book Award for his second book, The Islands of Faith: Crossroads of Mission published by the Ateneo de Naga University Press in Naga City. The book is the sole finalist and the winner for the Best Book in Theology and Spirituality.
In their press statement, the award-giving body lauds the book as ” well-written, infused with the faith of a prophet, the hope of a professor and the compassion of a credible pastor”. Now in its 41st year, the award is administered by the Manila Critics Circle and the National Book Development Board. Fr. Recepcion will be honored alongside different Filipino authors, translators, book designers and publishers this coming February 24, 2024, at the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City.
A professor in missiology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Fr. Recepcion is also a spiritual formator at the Pontificio Collegio Filipino. His first book, God’s Global Household was a finalist in the National Book Award in 2013. He is also a published poet.
The publisher, through its university press director, Kristian Sendon Cordero has manifested their elation upon receiving the news. “The Ateneo de Naga University Press commits to its mission to produce and engage the process of knowledge production that must be deeply grounded in our local realities, Fr. Recepcion’s book is a testament to this commitment to improve the ecologies of our book production in the country. With the inspired support by our academic community, headed by Fr. Robert E. Rivera, SJ, we will continue to tell and share our stories through books and other creative engagements.”
The book gathers nine essays written for different occasions and gatherings and highlights various topics relevant to the life and mission of the Catholic Church. Particularly highlighted in this volume are the key points raised by the author on the Philippine experience and its multifaceted responses to the realities of globalization, migrant issues, and the ecumenical and environmental challenges articulated in the recent papal encyclical, Laudato Sii. The cover art entitled, Aurora, by Bikol artist Raul Alcomendas, is based on a religious practice that is commonly observed in the author’s hometown in Nabua, Camarines Sur. The book design is by Ryan Cuatrona. Tito Genova Valiente, a respected columnist and a public anthropologist, provided editorial and curatorial assistance.
First launched in Naga City during the first Saeculum Arts Colloquium last December 2022, the book will be presented this coming February 23, 2024 at the Divine Word Institute of Mission Studies in Tagaytay City. For those who are interested in getting a copy of the book you may also order through the following outlets: Savage Mind: Arts, Books, Cinema, Solidaridad Bookshop, Mt. Cloud in Baguio and in Vita Catolica in Legazpi City.
