A Buddist monk is this year's winner of the Pacem in Terris, Peace and Freedom Award, from the Catholic Diocese of Davenport.
Kent Ferris, director of social action for the Diocese, says ThichNhatHanhbegan working for peace as a young man in his home country of Vietnam, during the Vietnam War. And he's credited with creating what's called the "engaged Buddist movement."
He was forced to flee Vietnam because of his activities, and following the war helped rescue many refugees from his country. In recent years, he's led many peace walks in the US, and worked to stop human trafficking.
Ferris says the awards committee became aware of Thich while reviewing documents from 50 years ago when the award was given to Martin Luther King - at that time King nominated Thich for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Because the 89 year old Thich is recovering from a stroke, Bishop Martin Amos will present the award to members of his monastic community in California this weekend. A local celebration will be held next spring.
