LANCASTER, Pa. — He Said Yes, a book by Kelly Ann Lynch about the life and work of Mychal Judge, OFM, was recently selected as the first place award winner in the children’s books category of the 2008 Catholic Press Association Book Awards.
Named a Catholic bestseller in December 2007, the book has sold nearly 5,000 copies since its release last September.
“From the very first, I knew this was a special book,” said Paulist Press Editor Susan Heyboer O’Keefe. “I’m so glad – but not at all surprised – that other people are discovering the same thing.” A surprised and teary-eyed Lynch said, “Thank you, thank you. This is wonderful,” when she learned of the award.
Cassian Miles, OFM, a longtime friend of Mychal, congratulated Lynch and offered a prayer of thanksgiving with her. “Blessed Mother,” he prayed, “guide Kelly and lead her to the project God wants her to work on next.”
The Chicago-based Catholic Press Association, said: “Recognition for a job well done is always a special honor. For Catholic journalists, it is affirmation that we are sustaining a heritage of service and commitment to spreading the word of God. The Catholic Press Association’s Awards Program recognizes the accomplishments and contributions made in our industry.”
The June 2008 issue of The Catholic Journalist, wrote about the book: “This is an inspiring true story of a modern-day hero, his remarkable life and untimely death on 9/11. He was an ordinary boy from Brooklyn who became an extraordinary Franciscan priest and beloved New York City Fire Department chaplain. The story is told in a most engaging way that continually leads us to read on. The illustrations represent the text in a wonderful way, soft and colorful, painting a picture of Fr. Mychal’s heart and soul. The text itself, gentle yet strong, truly conveys the character of Father Mychal and his love for the Lord.”
Proceeds from the sale of the book benefit Mychal’s Message, a non-profit organization created to honor the life and work of Mychal. “He Said Yes” is available through Paulist Press and Mychal’s Message as well as in bookstores.