World Peace Judge
Posted By: August 27, 2013
In June 2011, Congressman Ben Gilman (R-NY) asked Fr. Sean to say the opening and closing prayer at an event where he, Congressman Gilman, would receive the Evangelical World Peace Prize award given by The World Peace Prize Awarding Council. Little did Fr. Sean know that in two years, the same World Peace Prize Awarding Council would ask him to accept the appointment as one of its honored judges.
For over 40 years, Fr. Sean has worked tirelessly for justice and peace in Ireland, and now in The Holy Land as he heads the office of The Holy Land Principles, Inc. In all these years, Fr. Sean has never looked for any praise from anyone or any entity. He always maintains his focus, and works for the good of others.
It is so understandable why Fr. Sean was chosen to become a judge for the World Peace Prize Council. And in true giving form, Fr. Sean accepted the appointment as judge with honor and humility.
We, at the Irish National Caucus and Holy Land Principles, Inc., are truly proud of Fr. Sean. Congratulations, Fr. Sean, and many blessings to you!
A little walk down “Memory Lane” shows Father at the 2011 World Peace Prize Award Council event and the Press Release that followed:
Fr. Sean, Congressman Lester Wolfe (D-NY) and Congressman Ben Gilman(R-NY)
Capitol Hill. June 15, 2011 — For many years, Fr. Sean Mc Manus, President of the Capitol Hill-based Irish National Caucus, visited Congressman Ben Gilman (R-NY) who was in office from January 1973 – January 2003. And on June 14th, the two old friends were together again.
The Fermanagh-born priest said “ a prayer for ’’ for the former Chairman of the House International Relations Committee.
“The easiest task imaginable – praying for the Great Ben Gilman,’’ said Fr. Mc Manus.”Because in the entire history of the US Congress no body has a better record in fighting for Irish justice. Without Ben, I could never have gotten Congress to pass the the Mac Bride Principles. This Jewish-American is my Irish hero.He will never be forgotten in Irish history. Irish-American owe this wonderful, special man an everlasting debt of gratitude”.
Congressman Gilman was given the Evangelical World Peace Prize award. He requested Fr. Mc Manus to give both the opening and closing prayer. The event was held in the Gold Room of the Rayburn House Office Building (one of the Congressional buildings on Capitol Hill).
“What made the occasion extra special for me,” explained Fr. Mc Manus, is that the Chairman of the event was Chief Judge of the World Peace Prize, former Congressman Lester Wolff (D-NY) – 1965 – 1973. Lester, like Ben, is a champion of Irish justice. In early 1972 disguised himself, assumed an Irish identity and brogue, and succeeded in penetrating security at Long Kesh, to get first-hand view of the flagrant injustice of that British internment camp in Northern Ireland”.
The other recipient of the World Peace Prize was H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III (“the leader of all Buddhists and the highest and greatest Buddha in the dharma realm”). Buddhists believe him to be “the incarnated Buddha … the primordial and highest Buddha according to the lineage charts of all Buddhist sects”).
Fr. Mc Manus added: “It was a beautiful, spiritual and ecumenical event: Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Protestants and Catholics , all celebrating their common humanity, religious faith and desire for peace, which the fruit of justice”.
When Congressman Gilman spoke, he singled out Fr. Mc Manus for special praise, mentioning his 12-day Hunger Strike outside the British Embassy in April-May, 1981. And he also urged everyone to, “read Fr. Mc Manus’ wonderful new book” – My American Struggle for Justice in Northern Ireland, which will have its New York launch on Thursday, June 23 (O’ Lunney’s Pub, Times Square. 7 PM; and its Chicago launch on Saturday, July 9 and Sunday, July 10 at the Irish American Heritage Center Irish Fest.
The book is for sale at irishnationalcaucus.org — the only place one can order signed, personalized copies.
... Barbara Flaherty … 🙂
