BRAINTREE -- The Pilot received six honors at the annual Catholic Media Conference held this year from June 18 through June 20 in Charlotte, N.C.

The Pilot received one first place award, three second place awards, and one third place award from the Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada at the Catholic Press Awards presented June 20. The Pilot also received two awards from other Catholic organizations, presented at the conference.

Pilot staff reporter Christopher S. Pineo took first place in the category of Best Feature Writing Diocesan paper, for "Bells ring for last eight minutes of papacy."

"This article has clear human interest since it is chronicles one of the most unique moments in modern church history," the judges noted.

He also took second place for "Best coverage of local politics," for his story "East Boston faith leaders rally against casino," which the judges said "provided all sides of the issue."

Pilot managing editor Gregory L. Tracy received second place in the category of "Best multimedia package for news," for his "Dispatches from Rome," through which Tracy used stories, photos, audio and video reporting to make a daily chronicle of Cardinal O'Malley's trip to Rome for the resignation of Pope Benedict and the run-up to the conclave that elected Pope Franics.

The contest judges noted Tracy's "excellent use of various media in visual and textual content creation," in making the award.

With a third place showing, The Pilot marketing staff also received "Best Print Circulation Promotion Campaign" for "Mary, Did You Know?", The Pilot's most recent Christmas circulation campaign.

Former iCatholic Media CEO and Pilot columnist Scot Landry received second place in "Best Regular Column -- General Commentary" for "Techniques for defending the Church and Catholic teaching in the public square," "Top 10 tweets from Pope Francis' first seven months," and "Cardinal Dolan - Recognizing the right leader at the right time for the USCCB."

Also at the conference, Landry received a 2014 Clarion Award from the Catholic Academy of Communication Professionals. The Clarion Award recognizes "a timely contribution to Catholic communicators through organizational service; through creativity in a communications effort or product; through service to a diocese, institution or religious order; at a personal or career milestone; through excellence in communications leadership, ecumenical cooperation or industry collaboration."

The Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States recognized Pineo with a first-place 2014 Archbishop Edward T. O'Meara Award for "Mission Animation News" presented June 19.

"A well-done story, with good photographs, that lets readers know 'every penny counts' when it comes to helping the poor of the Missions -- and everybody can help, young and old," materials for the award said.