' Passion' Gets Catholic Group's Award

LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Mel Gibson's ``The Passion of the Christ'' and the CBS television show ``Joan of Arcadia'' were celebrated Sunday at an awards ceremony by a Catholic group founded

Monday, November 8th 2004, 9:38 am

By: News On 6

LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Mel Gibson's ``The Passion of the Christ'' and the CBS television show ``Joan of Arcadia'' were celebrated Sunday at an awards ceremony by a Catholic group founded to honor entertainment projects that uplift and inspire.

More than 500 people attended the luncheon organized by Catholics in Media.

Jim Caviezel, who portrayed Jesus in ``The Passion of the Christ,'' presented this year's film award to producer-director Mel Gibson and producer Steve McEveety.

Actor Joe Mantegna, who plays Will Girardi on ``Joan of Arcadia,'' presented the television award to the show's creator and producer, Barbara Hall.

Jane Wyatt Ward, best known for her role as Margaret Anderson on ``Father Knows Best,'' received the lifetime achievement award for her career and charitable work.