About Us
About Us
'A journey from quill to digital' – the phrase highlights the longevity of its -175-year-long ongoing journey of the ‘The Catholic Examiner Newsweekly ‘ published by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese in Mumbai. The phrase also hints at the varied instruments of the medium of communication used during the period of its publication.
'A journey from quill to digital' – the phrase highlights the longevity of its -175-year-long ongoing journey of the ‘The Catholic Examiner Newsweekly ‘ published by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese in Mumbai. The phrase also hints at the varied instruments of the medium of communication used during the period of its publication.
The Examiner began as a journalistic venture by small group of lay people and priests to have a pamphlet to disseminate the teachings of Christian faith and snippets of important Christian events happing in the local and universal Church. It was eventually taken-over as a religious-mouthpiece of the Archdiocese of Bombay by Bishop A. Hartmann.
The Examiner began as a journalistic venture by small group of lay people and priests to have a pamphlet to disseminate the teachings of Christian faith and snippets of important Christian events happing in the local and universal Church. It was eventually taken-over as a religious-mouthpiece of the Archdiocese of Bombay by Bishop A. Hartmann.
The first lead article titled ‘Dare to dream’ of this religious newspaper was written by an Italian priest Fr. Ignatius Persico O.C . This editorial was a single page printed newsletter in cursive writing. It resembled a hand-written piece as if with a quill. Unfortunately, the only surviving copies of these in the archives of The Examiner were destroyed in a fire 15 years ago.
The first lead article titled ‘Dare to dream’ of this religious newspaper was written by an Italian priest Fr. Ignatius Persico O.C . This editorial was a single page printed newsletter in cursive writing. It resembled a hand-written piece as if with a quill. Unfortunately, the only surviving copies of these in the archives of The Examiner were destroyed in a fire 15 years ago.
The editors of the initial years of the Catholic Weekly were priests hailing from different nationalities and religious orders who composed the magazine. Some of them were editors known for their eminence in achieving high standards of journalism in English. Among these the last were foreign Jesuit priest-editors, who served for about 88 years, before the Indian priests took over. Special mention needs to be made of Fr. Earnest Hull - an erstwhile editor of The Examiner, between 1903 and 1924. He was felicitated with the highest award in international journalism.
The editors of the initial years of the Catholic Weekly were priests hailing from different nationalities and religious orders who composed the magazine. Some of them were editors known for their eminence in achieving high standards of journalism in English. Among these the last were foreign Jesuit priest-editors, who served for about 88 years, before the Indian priests took over. Special mention needs to be made of Fr. Earnest Hull - an erstwhile editor of The Examiner, between 1903 and 1924. He was felicitated with the highest award in international journalism.
The first Indian editor who took over was a diocesan priest, Fr Valerian Gracias from 1938-40. He later became a Cardinal, the first Indian to be promoted to this high rank amongst the hierarchy of the ecclesiastical dignitaries of the Church. He was succeeded by Msgr. Joseph A. Lobo an editor who held post for 6 yrs. He was an intellectual well versed in matters of faith. The next was Fr Benedict M. Aguiar who was an editor par excellence ( for33 yrs.) in writing brilliant articles on a variety of topics of faith and covering significant national and international events of the universal Church. His erudite insights on subjects such as politics, finance, and social issues in the light of Christian Faith were a delight to the avid readers of the Examiner.
The first Indian editor who took over was a diocesan priest, Fr Valerian Gracias from 1938-40. He later became a Cardinal, the first Indian to be promoted to this high rank amongst the hierarchy of the ecclesiastical dignitaries of the Church. He was succeeded by Msgr. Joseph A. Lobo an editor who held post for 6 yrs. He was an intellectual well versed in matters of faith. The next was Fr Benedict M. Aguiar who was an editor par excellence ( for33 yrs.) in writing brilliant articles on a variety of topics of faith and covering significant national and international events of the universal Church. His erudite insights on subjects such as politics, finance, and social issues in the light of Christian Faith were a delight to the avid readers of the Examiner.
After its 150th year, The Examiner introduced many changes in terms of size, number of pages and evolving formats. It also included pictorials and attractive colour page covers by a professional design and layout artist. This went a long way in boosting the sales of the examiner copies. More space was allotted to advertisements in the magazine after its 150th anniversary. The digital edition started 15 years ago. The price of each copy had to be raised to meet the cost of printing.
After its 150th year, The Examiner introduced many changes in terms of size, number of pages and evolving formats. It also included pictorials and attractive colour page covers by a professional design and layout artist. This went a long way in boosting the sales of the examiner copies. More space was allotted to advertisements in the magazine after its 150th anniversary. The digital edition started 15 years ago. The price of each copy had to be raised to meet the cost of printing.
Despite many obstacles from incessant rain or floods, communal riots or frequent strikes calling for shutdowns by labor unions, the weekly publication remained uninterrupted. Even on the unforgettable day of a raging fire caused by an electric short-circuit that gutted the office, the publication was not missed. Most of these happenings are attributed to the tenure of Fr Anthony Charanghat. He has been associated with the Examiner for 50 years and is presently at the helm of editing the newsweekly for 30 years to date.
Despite many obstacles from incessant rain or floods, communal riots or frequent strikes calling for shutdowns by labor unions, the weekly publication remained uninterrupted. Even on the unforgettable day of a raging fire caused by an electric short-circuit that gutted the office, the publication was not missed. Most of these happenings are attributed to the tenure of Fr Anthony Charanghat. He has been associated with the Examiner for 50 years and is presently at the helm of editing the newsweekly for 30 years to date.
Originally, at a meeting of the members of the Examiner Editorial Board, it was decided to have a policy draw up a plan of timely relevant themes around the year and invite people to send their contributions to the Examiner office. accordingly. Presently, Fr. Joshan Rodrigues, who heads the editorial team, efficiently oversees the sourcing of content matter from freelance writers, syndicate media sites and various digital platforms for the Examiner.
Originally, at a meeting of the members of the Examiner Editorial Board, it was decided to have a policy draw up a plan of timely relevant themes around the year and invite people to send their contributions to the Examiner office. accordingly. Presently, Fr. Joshan Rodrigues, who heads the editorial team, efficiently oversees the sourcing of content matter from freelance writers, syndicate media sites and various digital platforms for the Examiner.