While most of us can not be on the front lines of rescuing human trafficking victims, we all can be doing something. Something everyone can do, is pray. And scriptures make mention that everyone should be persistent in their prayer lives.
With that in mind, one of my persistent prayer requests is for at least one sex trafficking and one labor trafficking victim to find a way out of their captivity each day. Just to hedge my bet, I also implore St. Josephine Bakhita to help send my request on to the Lord.
On February 8th the Catholic Church celebrates Saint Josephine Bakhita, born in Sudan, who was kidnapped and sold into slavery as a child. Once freed, Saint Josephine became a Canossian Sister who dedicated her life to testifying to her faith in Cod and comforting the poor and suffering.
In the footsteps of Saint Josephine Bakhita, on February 8th each year, the international organization Talitha Kum celebrates the International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking, an occasion to join in prayer, reflection, and awareness regarding the evil of human trafficking, and the power of joint action for the care, healing, empowerment, and restoration of victims, survivors and individuals at risk.
Talitha Kum’s Call to Action wishes to encourage all relevant actors and stakeholders to join its Sisters in prayer and reflection, following Pope Frances’ invitation: “This Day is important because it helps us all to remember this tragedy, and encourages us not to stop praying and fighting together. May reflection and awareness always be accompanied by concrete gestures, which also open up paths to social emancipation.”
Please join the collective prayers being offered around the world on February 8th by joining the live stream here on YouTube.
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