Columban Fr. Shay Cullen is set to receive another prestigious international award in recognition of his work against child sexual abuse and sex trafficking.
In November, the missionary, who is based in the Philippines, will receive the 2017 Martin Buber Award.
The honor reognises his work, through the PREDA Foundation, helping children and women.
He will be presented with the award in Kerkrade during the annual International Festival of Dialogue – EURIADE.
According to Matt Moran, author of the recent book, The Legacy of Irish Missionaries Lives On, “Being chosen for this internationally focused award indicates the reputation and acclaim that Fr. Shay Cullen’s human rights work is attracting internationally.”
PREDA is active in the rescue and care of abused children from jails, sexual predators and brothels. It gives victims a safe home with protection, education, empowerment and healing therapy and restores their self-esteem.
The foundation is also engaged in promoting human rights and justice for the marginalised, as well as selling fair trade produce to support mango-growing farmers.
The Columbans are a society of missionaries, including priests and lay people, who minister to people of various cultures as a way of witnessing to the universal love of God.