Catholic priest wins first Fulton Sheen award

Bangalore (Matters India): Fr Adolf Washington, a Bangalore archdiocesan priest and former president of the Indian Catholic Press Association, has been chosen as the first recipient of an award instituted in honor renowned American preacher Archbishop Fulton Sheen.

The Living Bread Publications, founded in 2007 by Jane and Suma Sashikala, two Hindu converts to Catholicism, conferred the “Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen Award for Excellence in Communication” on Fr Adolf Washington, a writer and preacher. Social Activist Pericho Prabhu presented the award.

The award was given on May 28 at a function held in St. Thomas Forane Church.

On the occasion, a book titled ‘Moblie Addictions’ with articles by many writers was released.

Living Bread Publications publishes books on social themes especially on substance abuse, cancer care and various health issues. It set up the award this year to honor artists, social activists, musicians and others for their pro-active contribution to society.

It chose a Catholic priest for the first award in recognition of his ““outstanding contribution to both the Christian and Secular media,” Suma Shashikala said while introducing Fr Washington to the audience. She also mentioned about the priest’s “vibrant use of the electronic media in spreading the word of God and values that benefit society.”

She said Fr Washington uses his “eloquent communication skills with daily short and crisp audio clips communicated through ‘whatsapp’ that reach people in various parts of the world.” His humor with messages has been highly appreciated, she added.

Fr. Washington works for Matters India and Smart Companion and writes columns titled “Oasis” for the Bangalore-based Deccan Herald newspaper. He also contributes articles to many Christian and Secular magazines and newspapers.

He was the president of the Indian Catholic Press Association for six years until 2013.

Accepting the award, Fr Washington said, “All of us are created to be communicators of the Truth, Justice and Peace and our excellence gets sharpened only when we unceasingly communicate.”

The priest said he was no match for Archbishop Sheen.

“But I believe everyone one is gifted with a talent. Anybody who can even make a non-verbal communication through their talents can create an impact on the world around us and communicate a powerful message,” he added.

Venerable Fulton John Sheen (1895-1979) was an American prelate known for his preaching on television and radio. His cause for canonization was officially opened in 2002.

Sheen twice won an Emmy Award for Most Outstanding Television Personality, the only personality appearing on the DuMont Network ever to win a major Emmy award.

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