A Prayer for the International Day of Awareness and Prayer against Human Trafficking – 8 February 2015.  

Today is the feast of St. Josephine Bakhita. 

O God, when we hear of children and adults

deceived and taken to unknown places for

purposes of sexual exploitation, forced labor, and

organ ‘harvesting’ our hearts are saddened and

our spirits angry that their dignity and rights are

ignored through threats, lies, and force.

We cry out against the evil practice of this modern

slavery, and pray with St. Bakhita for it to end.

Give us wisdom and courage to reach out and

stand with those whose bodies, hearts and spirits

have been so wounded, so that together we may

make real your promises to fill these sisters and

brothers with a love that is tender and good.

Send the exploiters away empty-handed to be

converted from this wickedness, and help us all to

claim the freedom that is your gift to your

children. Amen.

www.a-light-against-human-trafficking.info

At the Angelus on Sunday 8 February 2015, Pope Francis said:

Dear brothers and sisters,

Today, on the liturgical feast of St. Josephine Bakhita, the African nun who as a young girl had the tragic experience of being a victim of trafficking, the International Union of Superior Generals of the religious institutes, and the Superior Generals, have promoted the Day of Reflection and Prayer against human trafficking. I encourage those who are committed in helping men, women and children who are enslaved, exploited and abused as instruments of work or pleasure, and often tortured and mutilated. I hope that those who have governmental responsibilities may strive firmly to remove the causes of this shameful scourge. It's true, it is a shameful scourge! A scourge unworthy of a civilized society. Each one of us should commit to be a voice for these our brothers and sister, humiliated in their dignity. Let us pray, all together, to Our Lady for them and for their families.