USCCB announces Day of Prayer for Survivors/Victims of Human Trafficking
(Vatican Radio) The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has announced that
its Committee on Migration has designated February 8 as an annual day of prayer for
survivors and victims of human trafficking.
In a communique, the USCCB explains
that February 8 is the feast day of St. Josephine Bakhita, who was kidnapped as a
child and sold into slavery in Sudan and Italy. Once Josephine was freed, she dedicated
her life to sharing her testament of deliverance from slavery and comforting the poor
and suffering.
“On that day, we will lift our voices loudly in prayer, hope,
and love for trafficking victims and survivors,” said Bishop Eusebio Elizondo, M.Sp.S.,
auxiliary bishop of Seattle and chairman of the Committee. “If just one person realizes
from this day that they or someone they know is being trafficked, we will have made
a difference.”
The USCCB’s Anti-Trafficking program is encouraging Catholics
to host or attend prayer services, to reflect on the experiences of those who have
suffered through human trafficking and exploitation. Catholics are invited to pray
for the emotional, physical, and spiritual healing, and make a personal commitment
to work against human trafficking. Catholics are also encouraged to host awareness-raising
events educating their parishes and communities about human trafficking in whichever
way they choose, be it a Mass, a film screening, or an information session.
In
early 2014, USCCB will work to educate parishes throughout the country on human trafficking,
with release of educational materials during National Migration Week (January 5-11)
and the Day of Prayer for Survivors and Victims of Human Trafficking.
USCCB’s
Anti-Trafficking Program advocates for better protection for victims of human trafficking,
provides training and technical assistance to service providers, and educates the
public on the prevalence of human trafficking. In 2013, USCCB launched the Amistad
Movement to empower immigrants and local leaders to prevent human trafficking in their
communities.
USCCB is a founding member of the Coalition of Catholic Organizations
against Human Trafficking, whose main goals are to educate Catholics about human trafficking,
to promote responsible consumer practices, and to support national legislation that
combats human trafficking.
More information on the work of USCCB’s Anti-Trafficking
Program is available at: www.usccb.org/about/anti-trafficking-program/