Karen Wins First Place in Catholic Press Awards 2021
Memphis Photojournalist Karen Pulfer Focht has won a first-place national award for the heartfelt story she both wrote and photographed on the closing of the Poor Clare Monastery in Frayser. Faith Magazine, published by the Catholic Diocese of West Tennessee, dedicated an entire issue to tell the compelling story in a special edition after the Vatican ordered the closing of some shrinking monasteries worldwide. Focht has covered the Poor Clare sisters throughout her career in Memphis.
Judges Comments: The article and photographs complement each other completely and provide a depth of coverage neither alone could produce. An excellent compilation that draws the reader along on the journey.
Best Story and Photo Package
First Place
Faith Magazine, Karen Pulfer Focht, Saying Goodbye To A House of Prayer
She also won:
Best Photo Story - Feature
Second Place
Faith Magazine, Karen Pulfer Focht, Saying Goodbye To A House of Prayer
Judges comments: The article's photographs paint a picture of the impactful history of the monastery and display the bittersweet emotions of love and loss.
https://www.karenpulferfocht.com/blog/poor-clares-leave-memphis
