By Mrs Mary O’Herron
Missionary Oblates JPIC Ministry
On February 8, 2015 Catholics around the world are encouraged to participate in prayer services and
actions that will raise awareness about human trafficking.
Designated by the
Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and the International Union of
Superiors General, February 8 will now be an Annual Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human trafficking.
This international day will focus on raising
awareness and suggests praying about the violence and injustice that impact
victims of human trafficking.
February 8 is also the
feast day for Saint Josephine Bakhita, c. 1868–1947 who was kidnapped and sold
as child into slavery in Sudan and Italy. Once freed, she became a nun and dedicated
her life to sharing her testament of deliverance from slavery and comforting
the poor and suffering. Pope John II declared her a Saint in 2000.
Resources:
With approximately 2 to
4 million people being trafficked within and across borders each year, human
trafficking has become a leading source of profits for organized crime. The
overwhelming majority of those trafficked are women and children. Most are
forced into sexual activity; others into forced labor.
What is Human Trafficking?
Human Trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation,
and forceful detention of people either from one country to another, or within
countries. The term ‘Human Trafficking’ is used to describe modern slavery
because the term reflects the mobility of both victims and perpetrators. Easy
mobility makes it easy – and cheap - to own a slave.
Threats, force and/or deception are typical. People being
exploited are either unpaid or given very little payment for their work or
sexual exploitation, and are not free to leave these abusive situations. Each
year, there are between 600,000 and 800,000 people trafficked across borders
throughout the world. There are many more trafficked within countries as well,
including the many who are trafficked within the borders of the US.
Human Trafficking is growing rapidly, despite efforts by
governments and organizations to control it.
There are more people in slavery
than ever before in the world’s history – over 33 million. Wherever there is
poverty, war, or natural disasters, unscrupulous people prey on the
vulnerable.
Signs that someone may be a
victim: See a comprehensive
list visit: http://www.polarisproject.org/human-trafficking/recognizing-the-signs
If you suspect someone
may be a victim of human trafficking contact your National Human Trafficking
Resource Center hotline to report the situation.
Action:
Modern Day Slavery Supports our comfortable lifestyles:
Learn more at www.slaveryfootrpint.org
Breaking
the Snares, a website opposed to human trafficking created by the Sisters of the
Divine Savior (Salvadoran Sisters) that has many resources - in English and
Spanish - for parishes and other groups wishing to educate and mobilize
people. The easiest way to find this Parish Resource Packet is to google
Breaking the Snares.
Human Trafficking Prayer
Oh God,
Great Healing One, please comfort each of Your children who are hurting because
of the powerful greed of those who hold them in bondage and help them become
free of these hideous bonds. Please heal all the wounds and scars they bear
from their horrendous treatment and lead them to healing people and places.
In
addition, Dear God, move among those who hold others in bondage or in any way
profit from it to change their hearts and minds so they do this no longer.
Also, please enlighten those who are unwitting participants in this use of
people.
St.
Eugene, you loved and served the poorest of the poor, please pray for all those
held captive by others and for those who hold them captive.
Amen.
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