The Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and the International Union of Superiors General has designated February 8 as an annual day of prayer and awareness against human trafficking.
It is a day to acknowledge the reality of peoples lives that are effected by modern day slavery and vulnerable people who have been trafficked to other countries in the hope of a better life. In the video interview below, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris sheds light on the tragedy of human trafficking, what steps are being taken to prevent it, and how we can help.
Below the video is a prayer to St Josephine Bakhita who was sold into slavery as a child and who finally found freedom and safety with a family in Italy, converting to Catholic Christianity and becoming a beacon of hope for those who are trafficked like she was.
Finally, we offer a resource on the issue of Human Trafficking, how to understand it and how to change it, published by the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Refugees.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH:
St. Josephine Bakhita, you were sold into slavery as a child and endured untold hardship and suffering. Once liberated from your physical enslavement, you found true redemption in your encounter with Christ and his Church. O St. Bakhita, assist all those who are trapped in a state of slavery; Intercede with God on their behalf so that they will be released from their chains of captivity. Those whom man enslaves, let God set free. Provide comfort to survivors of slavery and let them look to you as an example of hope and faith. Help all survivors find healing from their wounds. We ask for your prayers and intercessions for those enslaved among us. Amen.
PASTORAL ORIENTATIONS ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING - A DOCUMENT FROM THE PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES:
CLICK HERE TO READ:
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