Fr Shay Cullen and Martin Sheen promote the work of Preda in
Galway Community College
By Philip Cribbin
(November 02, 2006)
Philip
Cribbin of Galway Community College with Fr Shay Cullen and Martin Sheen
promote the work of Preda in Galway Community College at the lecture
given by Child Rights advocate Fr Shay Cullen. The title of the talk
delivered by the three time Nobel Peace Prize nominee was The Campaign
to Free Child Prisoners in The Philippines. His visit to the college
coincided with the Irish launch of his awe inspiring autobiography
entitled, Passion and Power which outlines his 37 years of service to
the oppressed and downtrodden children of the Philippines.
October 24 2006 is a date that will live long in the memory of the audience who attended the lecture given by children’s rights advocate Fr Shay Cullen. The title of the talk delivered by the three time Nobel Peace Prize nominee was The Campaign to Free Child Prisoners in The Philippines.
His visit to the college coincided with the Irish launch of his awe inspiring autobiography, entitled Passion and Power, which outlines his 37 years of service to the oppressed and downtrodden children of the Philippines.
Martin Sheen is a passionate supporter of Fr Cullen’s work and the men have a friendship which spans more than three decades. Despite being in Galway to study at NUI, Galway and having a very demanding schedule, Mr Sheen gave willingly of his time to help bring attention to the plight of the abused children in Olongapo, north of Manila.
In front of a packed auditorium Mr Sheen delivered a stirring tribute while introducing his “personal hero”, Fr Cullen. For the next two hours the audience remained spellbound while Fr Cullen showed images of some child prisoners and painted a very graphic picture of the tragedy that these children are forced to endure.
Despite the desperation of the situation Fr Cullen highlighted the powerful and positive work being done by Preda, the organisation he helped to establish which helps to rescue abused children as well as providing for their psychological, educational, and sociological needs.
Fr Cullen concluded the evening with a question and answers session and signed his book for the appreciative audience. More than €2,150 was raised on the night, with all the proceeds going directly towards Preda.
Many thanks to Fr Cullen and Mr Sheen for giving so generously of their time, energy, and enthusiasm for justice in what proved to be a thoroughly thought provoking evening in Galway Community College.
It is hoped that the college will move to strengthen
its links with Fr Cullen and the work of Preda in the coming months. For
more information on the work of Preda check out their website on
www.preda.org
