Bilingual Prayer and Webinar on Human Trafficking Prevention

Human Trafficking is a modern slavery.  This is happening in the world where people can be blindsided by how we are all participating.  It can be happening within one's home or in the school, and even how we patronize the products we buy.  Are we buying items that give back to what is fair to the workers?  Are the workers being paid little without benefits so that the items you are eyeing online can be cheap maximizing the value of your savings. This is the importance of being aware of our involvement in capitalism where the prizes need to be low which is good for competition but not to strip off the dignity of another individual to be fulfilled and compensated for his or her work.  There are also pornographic materials to which the youth, and vulnerable people are subjected, being forced to do something beyond their conscience and disregarding the respect that any human being deserves with the use of fear and coercion.

One of the ways we can help end this is by advocacy so that no person will have to be trapped and for those who are in this forced servitude, we are here to let them know that there have been people who were able to leave their traffickers and rebuild their lives.

Saint Bakhita is the patron saint of trafficked victims and survivors.  During her time, she was sold several times and finally found refuge with the religious congregation.  She did not want to go back to the family she was sold for service.  Everyone is invited to our Annual Virtual Bilingual Prayer Service on the Feast of Saint Bakhita, February 8, 2025 6:30PM.  This is the designated feast of Saint Bakhita.  The Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation will be hosting this service with hope that we can reflect on what action to take and also spread this invitation for others to know and take action as well.

Below is the invitation to (1) bring a pair of shoes as a symbol of human trafficking and (2) pray, listen, and reflect with us by signing in to https://christushealthvideo.zoom.us/j/95327154834

It is a hope that through this webinar, you can learn something to take and advocate for the cause.  It might also inspire you with something that you might have not thought of.  When we have hope for a better and just world, it moves us to take action so that a person does not have to suffer the loss of dignity, respect, and justice that every human being deserves to live with.

Pope Francis's encyclical Fratelli Tutti's article188 captures this message as an invitation for the political and social systems to be aware of human rights.  Raising this awareness, the politicians become responsible for combatting the structure and the unjust practices that exploit vulnerable and innocent individuals through human trafficking.  These unjust practices, greed, and selfish and unchecked desires, a person in need becomes a means or instrument for organ sale, prostitution, crime, and disordered desire for more.  When we desire what other people have or the goal becomes toward disordered ambitions stepping on other people's dignity, we missed to respect humanity.  Every individual belongs to a society.  An individual can be part of a just system or can take its position to be just by being an informed member of such systems to be able to uphold and live the right standards.  Consciences must be formed according to the recognition that everybody has basic human rights.  Our institutional and political systems must be responsible and effective in taking advantage of their academic, social, and technological strengths.  The advances in technology and science are not to hinder the protection and preservation of these rights.  These are to look into reality, searching for pragmatic solutions to be in communion and to be more human, beyond the fears and restrictive mindsets that are unproductive.

Report Human Trafficking through the National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888 or through text messaging Text* 233733.

More information on the Alliance to End Human Trafficking: U.S. Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking Announces New Name, Initiatives - Alliance to End Human Trafficking : Alliance to End Human Trafficking

Fratelli tutti (3 October 2020) | Francis

January is the National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

Have you ever wondered why some products are so cheap?  Be aware of the origin of your cheap purchased items.  Someone could be suffering from forced labor, sweatshops, and child labor.  This is what we call social injustices, trade injustices, and most of all human slavery.  Not all of these laborers may even receive wages for their work.  Items with a mark of fair trade may be pricey but it gives you an assurance, that you are not supporting a human trafficking business.  

January 2025 is the National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. President Biden calls upon organizations, families, and American people to recognize our duty in ending human trafficking.  By observing this month as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, given the programs and events to end all forms of human trafficking, we are on our way to liberating people from this modern-day slavery and preventing it from happening to those who are at risk.  You may not know who is at risk, so do not take the chance.  Do not let the traffickers take away one's dignity.

Human Trafficking is a $150 billion money-making industry.  The United States is a significant destination for trafficked victims.  This is happening before our eyes using the food we eat, the clothes we wear, and services we patronize, among other things. 

If you would like to support this advocacy of ending human trafficking, you can wear blue, post it on your social media using the #WearBlueDay (hashtagWearblueDay) and share your photo with us jpic.office@gmail.com so we can feature you in our JPIC social media.  You can participate in this blue campaign, particularly on January 11 which is dedicated for National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.

Read more: 

Slavery Footprint
Alliance to End Human Trafficking - Ending Slavery is Everyone's Work : Alliance to End Human Trafficking
The Fight Against Human Trafficking | Global Sisters Report
Talithakum
National Human Trafficking Prevention Month 2025 - Preventing and Addressing Child Trafficking Project
Interfaith Toolkit to End Trafficking | UNICEF USA
A Proclamation on National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, 2025 | The White House
DPS Recognizes Human Trafficking Prevention Month | Department of Public Safety

Online Bilingual Prayer

This February 8 is the World Day of Prayer and Reflection against Human Trafficking. Together with our church and all people of good will, we invite you to pray together at 6:30 p.m. (Central time).  Yes, we will pray in unity using a bilingual prayer. We would love for you to actively participate by making sure you have with you some symbols that honor and connect you to the elements of earth, air, fire, water, and metal.  

Join the online bilingual prayer by clicking in the following link: https://christushealthvideo.zoom.us/j/91347266460
 
Thank you so much for considering joining us in this space of encounter and prayer. And as this year's theme for the World Day of Prayer points out:  journeying for dignity is to recognize that everything is interrelated, and that the exploitation of people cannot be addressed without a respectful relationship with all of creation.

 

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day (January 11) Prayer Service & Toolkit

From the Alliance to End Human Trafficking 

(Founded and Supported by US Catholic Sisters)

“Human trafficking is a crime against humanity. We must unite our efforts to free victims and stop this crime that’s become ever more aggressive, that threatens not just individuals, but the foundational values of society.” – Pope Francis 

Introduction 

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on January 11 raises awareness of the persistent issue of human trafficking. This day is specifically dedicated to awareness and prevention of the illegal practice. Since the Senate established this day of observance in 2007, it has drawn massive public support from individual donations to government-organized events. The horrific injustice of human trafficking can affect people of any race and background, and on this day we are all called to fight human trafficking wherever it exists. Learn more HERE. 

Human Trafficking Background and Overview

• Human Trafficking is a $150 billion world market that impacts an estimated 50 million people worldwide.
• Victims of human trafficking are hidden in our neighborhoods. They are being recruited from our schools. They are growing our food, working in our nail salons, and they are there when we go on vacation and stay in hotels. They are hidden in plain sight. 
• This affront to human dignity happens through force, fraud, and coercion. 
• Traffickers thrive where vulnerability is high; where people are desperate and their options are limited or nonexistent. People on the move and recent immigrants are at particular risk of exploitation by traffickers because of their precarious social and economic circumstances. The International Organization for Migration estimates the number of international migrants to be at least 281 million people. They are refugees, asylum seekers, labor migrants, and those displaced by conflict or natural disasters. They are fleeing floods, famine, war, violence, endemic poverty, organized crime, political corruption, and the effects of climate change. They are both desperate and resilient. The adverse circumstances that force people to flee their homes can lead migrants to be deceived in exploitative recruitment abroad. Migration routes too often lead migrants into the hands of organized trafficking networks, exploitative employment, or situations of extortion.
• However, immigrants are not the only ones who are forced into a life of servitude. It’s happening to our youth in our communities. 
• Human trafficking is the fastest-growing criminal industry in the world. It is the second most lucrative and is soon expected to surpass the illegal drug trade. Drugs can be sold once, but people can be sold multiple times, with many victims being sold 15 to 30 times a day. 
• Child online sexual exploitation is rampant. Furthermore, it’s hard to detect, threatens lives, especially of the most vulnerable, and if unaddressed, will have daunting and irreversible impacts on families and society.

The Church’s Position on Human Trafficking (USCCB)

• The elimination of human trafficking is a priority issue for the Catholic Church because every life is a gift from God and is sacred, it deserves to be protected and nurtured; we each have a responsibility to fight against the violation and degradation of our brothers and sisters. 
• The Catechism of the Church forbids acts that cause the enslavement of humans. During the Second Vatican Council in 1965, the Church further stated “slavery, prostitution, the selling of women, and children, and disgraceful working conditions where people are treated as mere tools for profits rather than free and responsible persons are infamies and supreme dishonor to the creator.” (Gaudium et Spes, 1965). 
• In 2014, Pope Francis stated during his Declaration on the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery: “[M]odern slavery, in terms of human trafficking, forced labor and prostitution, and organ trafficking, is a crime against humanity. Its victims are from all walks of life, but are most frequently among the poorest and most vulnerable of our brothers and sisters.” 
• Men and women religious have also played an integral part in the battle against human trafficking. In 2001, nearly 800 women leaders of the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) passed a resolution dedicating over one million members “to work in solidarity with one another within our own religious communities and in the countries in which we are located to address insistently at every level the abuse and sexual exploitation of women and children . . .” The Alliance to End Human Trafficking is the domestic response to this call. 

AEHT’s Anti-Trafficking Programs and Initiatives:

Education & Outreach: 

• Education and Awareness are key to helping prevent and end human trafficking! If you would like to schedule a presenter to come teach the basics of understanding human trafficking and how to prevent it, or create a customized presentation for your audience, please use our speaker request form to see if we have a presenter available in your area. 

• We have prepared educational materials on a variety of topics related to human trafficking such as root causes, children, women, labor, pornography, migrants and refugees, sporting events, and organ removal among others. These 2-4 page guides are perfect for individuals or small groups who want to engage in deeper reflection on issues related to human trafficking. See the full list here: AEHT Modules. 

• Another great way to learn more about human trafficking is through radio, podcasts, and videos. We have curated a list of recommended media resources related to human trafficking for your ongoing education: Human Trafficking Media Resources. 

• The Stop Trafficking newsletter promotes awareness of human trafficking, provides best practices in advocacy, and recommends actions to counter human trafficking and empower survivors. Read the latest Stop Trafficking newsletter here.

Coalition Building

We believe by working together and sharing our time, talent, and resources, we can have a greater impact on ending human tracking and supporting survivors across the country. Please consider joining our network as a member today. Together we can realize a world without human tracking and with a network of services and resources to inform the public, prevent the crime and assist survivors to achieve a fulfilling life!

Become a member of The Alliance to End Human Trafficking today

https://alliancetoendhumantrafficking.salsalabs.org/sitemembershipform/index.html

Advocacy 

• Catholic Social Teaching proclaims that “action on behalf of justice and participation in the transformation of the world”1 are a constitutive dimension of preaching the Gospel. In response to this call, AEHT will faithfully engage in advocacy that addresses both the root causes of human trafficking and the needs of victims and survivors. 

• Here you can find helpful resources for engaging in effective advocacy, including how to plan a visit with your legislator. See our advocacy resources. 

• Our advocacy priorities address the root causes of trafficking and their connections to other important global issues. See our advocacy priorities. 

• Take action to end human trafficking, support survivors, and protect the vulnerable! See our current advocacy campaigns. 

• Sign up to Receive the Latest News and Action Alerts From Alliance to End Human Trafficking: https://alliancetoendhumantrafficking.salsalabs.org/email-sign-up/index.html 

1 Justice in the World, 1971

Access to Survivor Services

• Hear from survivors who have directly benefited from our educational scholarships, direct support, and programming by members around the country. You can be part of this positive impact by joining us or donating today! Survivor Stories 
• AEHT members are connected to organizations and houses across the country that provide a variety of services to survivors of human trafficking. Learn more about these houses and the work they are doing here: Member Run Houses 
• One of the ways YOU can help support survivors of human trafficking is by supporting their ongoing education directly, donating to our scholarship fund, or hiring them for a job. Learn more about these opportunities here: Education & Employment

Talking Points:

• Alliance to End Human Trafficking (AEHT) is a collaborative, faith-based national network that offers education, supports access to survivor services, and engages in advocacy to eradicate human trafficking. We work to inform the public, prevent this assault on human dignity, and assist survivors to live fulfilling lives. 
• Alliance To End Human Trafficking envisions a world without human trafficking with a network of services and resources to inform the public, prevent the crime, and assist survivors to achieve a fulfilling life.
• Our members include 200+ congregations of Catholic Sisters, coalitions and organizations working to end human trafficking and individuals who share our mission. Ending human trafficking is everyone’s work! 
• Prevention is key to ending human trafficking, so education and advocacy are necessary but women and men need access to services to help them heal as well. 
• Pope Francis calls human trafficking one of the most troubling of the world’s open wounds. It goes against our Catholic Social Teaching and robs people of their dignity. 
• Many victims come from other countries where they are promised the American dream of getting an education and finding work only to have their passports confiscated, and fear of their safety or the safety of their family. They are taught not to trust law enforcement and speaking another language further diminishes their ability to seek help. Their dreams are turned into nightmares when they are forced to enter the sex industry, labor on farms, in hotels among other industries for 12 -to 14-hour days with no hopes of escaping their new-found life.  

Opening Song:

Choose an appropriate song or hymn

Scripture Reading:

Light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth. Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness; rather expose them, for it is shameful even to mention the things done by them in secret; but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes visible is light. 

Ephesians 9:14

Response to the Reading:

Leader: It is only in the past decade or so that most people heard of human trafficking. Many people still believe that “It does not happen here.” Human trafficking occurs in every nation and city, suburb and rural areas. Everywhere. The more people who are aware that human trafficking is occurring in their neighborhood, the greater chance of people not becoming victims, and the greater chance of victims becoming survivors. Let us take a moment and reflect on how each of us can bring light to this issue

Prayers of Petition:

God, we ask that you show us what is ours to do to bring light to the offense of human trafficking so that others may not become victims. Leader: Our response to each petition is: Loving God, hear our prayer. 

• For light to show each of us steps we can take to decrease our complicity as consumers to labor trafficking 
• For all those being exploited online, may they be enlightened on how to safely end these relationships • For migrants and new immigrants, may they be safeguarded from trafficking by openness and care of those they meet and by appropriate legislation that will help them be less vulnerable
• For all those who do not have safe housing and are vulnerable to trafficking, may they find a protective and loving community in which to live 
• For providers of human trafficking, may they restore life to the survivors of human trafficking 
• For traffickers, we ask that their eyes be opened to the human dignity of all people 

Message of Pope Francis:

Journeying for dignity, against human trafficking, without leaving anyone behind. I would like to repeat some of the beautiful expressions: “Walking with open eyes to recognize the processes that lead millions of people, especially young people, to be trafficked for brutal exploitation. Walking with an attentive heart to discover the daily paths of thousands of people in search of freedom and dignity. Walking with hope guiding our feet to promote anti-trafficking actions. Walking together hand in hand to support one another and build a culture of encounter that leads to the conversion of hearts and inclusive societies, capable of unmasking stereotypes and protecting the rights of every person. I hope that many people will accept your invitation to walk together against trafficking: walking together with those who are destroyed by the violence of sexual and labor exploitation; walking together with migrants, displaced persons, those who are searching for a place to live in peace and family. Together with you, young people, to reaffirm courageously the value of human dignity.

Pope Francis, 8 February 2023

Leader:

Let’s take a few moments of quiet to consider: what one action can I take to increase awareness of human trafficking in my neighborhood?

[Moment of Silence]

Closing Prayer:

God, help us see that human trafficking affects all of us. Show us what is ours to do to increase awareness of human trafficking so that people do not become victims. Help us become more aware of how social media, poverty, homelessness, immigration status may make children and others vulnerable to exploitation. Enlighten us on how our obsession with consumerism serves to feed the demand for cheap labor. Help us to commit to incorporate one action in our lives that will serve to stop the demand and help people not become victims of human trafficking. Amen.

Closing Song:

Choose an appropriate song or hymn

Some suggestions:

• Christ, be our light Bernadette Farrell

• Here I Am, Lord John Michael Talbot

Possible Actions:

1. Contact the Governor of your state. Ask them to ensure that the National Human Trafficking Hotline phone number (888-373-7888) and text line (233 733 or BeFree) is featured prominently on all state websites and in all state-run restroom on Interstate highways.  

• Note: This toll free hotline and text line answers calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year in more than 200 languages.

2. Engage with your community to create and lead awareness campaigns about human trafficking. Encourage grassroots efforts to educate community members on recognizing the signs of trafficking, reporting mechanisms, and supporting survivors

3. Work with legal experts and advocacy groups to identify and propose legislative changes that strengthen anti-trafficking laws. Advocate for policies that increase penalties for traffickers, protect survivors, and improve the overall legal framework for combating human trafficking.

4. View our new 10th-Anniversary video and share it with others.

5. Purchasing survivor-made goods is a fun way to help support survivors who are learning new job skills and working to become independent. Check out this page for a list of organizations that sell fair trade and survivor made items.

6. Donate to support the work of AEHT or support a local anti-trafficking organization.

Social Media Post Suggestions:

The countdown to #WearBlueDay is on! Participating on January 11 is easy – all you need is a piece of blue clothing. Consider sharing a photo on social media using the hashtag #WearBlueDay and spread the word. 

Find out more ➡ https://go.dhs.gov/ZSX #WearBlueDay #EndHumanTrafficking

Learn more about @DHSBlueCampaign and #WearBlueDay here: dhs.gov/blue-campaign/wearblueday

Join us in wearing blue on January 11th to help bring awareness to #humantrafficking with @DHSBlueCampaign. I wear blue because [insert why you are wearing blue]. Share your photos with #WearBlueDay

Today is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day and #WearBlueDay. On this day, the Alliance and Blue Campaign invite the public to take photos of themselves, friends, family, and colleagues wearing blue clothing and share them on social media with the hashtag #WearBlueDay #EndHumanTrafficking.

This Prayer Service and Toolkit can be found in:

2024-Jan-11-HT-Prayer-Toolkit.pdf (alliancetoendhumantrafficking.org)

2023 Annual Assembly of the Kawsay Network

By Sr. Sofia Mamani CCVI

The Annual Assembly of the Kawsay Network, a network of consecrated life in Peru against human trafficking, was held in Lima from May 25 to 28, 2023. 32 sisters from the 26 Congregations belonging to the Network gathered to analyze and reflect on the reality of human trafficking in Peru.

We started with different opportunities for encounter and friendship. On the first day, after a very experiential prayer, we received a presentation from Italy. This sister shared with us her experiences in the ministry of accompanying victims of trafficking. She challenged us to listen and look around us, who are the people close to us who might be experiencing slavery? So many of the survivors of human trafficking were victims of false job offers and mostly very impacted by economic poverty. Sister shared with us that this ministry is arduous, needs to be constant, and includes risks. This ministry requires networking because most of the offenders are well organized networked criminals. She challenged us to be very courageous in accompanying the families who are looking for their missing relatives among them children and women.

The reality of human trafficking in Peru is sad. For example, it was shared with us that the national budget for the fight against human trafficking is 0.05. With this amount, it is clear that the institutions responsible for stopping the crime of human trafficking cannot rescue the people who are victims of this crime. Furthermore, as most Peruvians experience, the laws seem to be only on paper. Listening to testimonies of survivors of this scourge is painful because it is a theft of dreams and plans of girls, boys, adolescents, young people and especially women (80%). Many women in my country are being treated as if they were things.

During these days of assembly we affirm once again that we reject that people are treated as " mercancía," that we will stand by the victims of human trafficking, and given the lack of adequate attention to the process of restitution of dignity and rights, we urge the national government and public entities, to:

• Guarantee the protection, care, and welfare of the victim and access to justice.
• Train justice operators to receive and facilitate the process of restoration of their rights.
• Provide housing or shelters with specialized personnel for victims of human trafficking over 18 years of age where they feel safe and protected, where they can be empowered and achieve their integration.
• Improve the functioning of the prosecution, criminal sanction and control system to combat the crime of human trafficking.

It was really painful to hear so much deceit, exploitation, and indifference. Certainly, we ended up very touched to see so much vulnerability in a crime that seems unseen by many people. Also, as Red Kawsay we dreamed that together we could open a house in Lima to welcome survivors over the age of 18. We have that challenge and hope. Several of us are already in the process, and it is still necessary that some of us or our Congregations accept the responsibility of leadership. Accompanying survivors is a task that involves multiple disciplines. The call is there. I believe that each of our Congregations could offer something and together we could respond to God's cry.

July 30: World Day Against Human Trafficking

As every July 30, we join the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (United Nations initiative), because "we affirm the dignity and rights of all people and denounce human trafficking and the economic and social systems that promote it." (CCVI Corporate Stance, 2015). This year, the Global Network of Consecrated Life Against Human Trafficking through the Care Against Trafficking campaign reminds us that we need to promote an economy of care. The UN stresses that "victims’ voices lead the way." We invite you to join us in prayer this July 30 and visit the websites of both global organizations where you will find a variety of prayer, education, action and advocacy resources. 

“Today, we declare that caring is the most powerful force for change, and we unite with survivors to care against trafficking” -Talitha Kum

We are Talitha Kum, a global network of more than three thousand Catholic Sisters and friends, united in our dedication to eradicating human trafficking. Fuelled by the power of our spiritual commitment, we have supported tens of thousands of people to escape the shackles of trafficking and find a path to reconstruct lives of freedom and dignity. And we go one step further on our journey of care: we aim to create long-term, sustainable change to dismantle the systems that enable oppression and exploitation. In order to tackle this global challenge and find systemic solutions, we recognise that we must work with organisations in the private sector, governments, NGOs and civil society. 

On World Day Against Trafficking In Persons, we ask our networks and partners to stand together and amplify our efforts to transform the economy of trafficking into an economy of care that empowers everyone, and especially women, to foster safe and thriving communities. Today, we call on all people of good will to come together and tackle the systemic causes of human trafficking. We call on governments to commit to long-term support for survivors, including quality education, work permits, access to justice and compensation, and medical and psychosocial assistance.

More information and resources here: https://www.talithakum.info/en 

"Victims’ Voices Lead the Way" – United Nations

This year’s theme puts victims of human trafficking at the centre of the campaign and will highlight the importance of listening to and learning from survivors of human trafficking. The campaign portrays survivors as key actors in the fight against human trafficking and focusses on the crucial role they play in establishing effective measures to prevent this crime, identify and rescue victims and support them on their road to rehabilitation.

Many victims of human trafficking have experienced ignorance or misunderstanding in their attempts to get help. They have had traumatic post-rescue experiences during identification interviews and legal proceedings. Some have faced revictimization and punishment for crimes they were forced to commit by their traffickers. Others have been subjected to stigmatization or received inadequate support.

Learning from victims’ experiences and turning their suggestions into concrete actions will lead to a more victim-centred and effective approach in combating human trafficking.

For more information, please visit: https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/endht/index.html 

Human Trafficking Training

Neoliberalism and Human Trafficking in a Time of COVID. Talitha Kum 
Engage in study and action with this helpful resource guide focusing on neo-liberal economics and how it drives human trafficking.

Educate Yourself: Watch our COMPASS e-learning series on maritime trafficking. COMPASS
Whether you are a human trafficking service provider, a port chaplain, an Apostleship of the Sea (AOS) staff member, or a concerned citizen eager to advocate for the protection of those catching and processing our fish, these e-learning educational modules are for you!  USCCB/MRS, with the support of the Coalition of Organizations and Ministries Promoting the Abolition of Slavery at Sea, has developed the Compass series to introduce you to crucial topics surrounding trafficking at sea, ranging from forms of exploitation found on fishing vessels and in processing plants to effective practices for individuals providing case management services and shelter to survivors of human trafficking.

What is Human Trafficking? USCCB

The Catholic Church helps prevent modern-day slavery  and you can too. Learn more about:

Human Trafficking: Key Statistics

Why is Human Trafficking So Prevalent?

Breaking Through Misconceptions

USCSAHT Modules: US Sisters against Human Trafficking

These human trafficking modules are short to-the-point educational resources which help to break open a single aspect of Human Trafficking.

Introduction to Human Trafficking: Theory and Practice. Freedom Network
The Introduction to Human Trafficking training is a 2.5-hour session designed for new professionals in the field, or for anyone wanting a refresher course on the basics of human trafficking. It will give participants a foundation of human trafficking theory and practice, as well as provide participants with real human trafficking case studies and practical tools for service provision. Participants will learn about the who, what, when, where, and why of human trafficking, as well as what legal services and social services are available to survivors. The session will be delivered by three experts on human trafficking, who will share best practices, skills, and concepts with participants.

A Holy Hour: Prayer In Solidarity with The Victims of Human Trafficking

July 30 is the International Day against Human Trafficking declared by the UN, so we have gathered on this day to pray for those who are victims of this crime. In the many forms of exploitation, women, men, girls, and boys are enslaved in factories, sweatshops, mines, camps, nightclubs and domestic work. Human beings, our sisters and brothers, are being treated as objects. Our people are being exploited after being victims of lies. We ask for forgiveness for the silence. We ask for courage not to dismiss any effort to fight this scourge. And we also pray for all the people and organizations that fight against these situations of injustice, so that the God of life will continue to give them audacity and wisdom.

Print version: HERE

Opening | One Bread, One Body by John Michael Talbot

We pray with the following song or some other song.

https://youtu.be/nNNOQm6WO54

One bread, one body, one Lord of all

One cup of blessing which we bless

And we, though many, throughout the earth

We are one body in this one Lord

Gentile or Jew

Servant or free

Woman or man

No more

One bread, one body, one Lord of all

One cup of blessing which we bless

And we, though many, throughout the earth

We are one body in this one Lord

Many the gifts, many the works

One in the Lord

Of all

One bread, one body, one Lord of all

One cup of blessing which we bless

And we, though many, throughout the earth

We are one body in this one Lord

We are one body in this one Lord

Prayer

Our Father...

Hail Mary...

Presider: In heaven and on earth may Christ be praised forever

R: May his love empower us to promote human dignity for all.   

The global exploitation offers a very wide scope for individuals who see human trafficking as a business. One of the most notorious dimensions of human trafficking is sexual exploitation. However, there are other forms of exploitation: labor exploitation, exploitation of children for the sex industry, begging, war, servile marriages and organ trafficking.

We invite you to bring to your mind and heart the names of cities or people that you know who have been victims of one of these situations and to pronounce them aloud presenting them to our good God. 

Silence

Reading from the book of the prophet Ezekiel 36: 26-27

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.

The word of the Lord

Address of His Holiness Pope Francis to Participants in the World Day of Prayer, Reflection and Action Against Human Trafficking (2018).

“When countries fall prey to extreme poverty, violence and corruption, the economy, the regulatory framework and the basic infrastructures are inefficient and are unable to guarantee security, goods and essential rights. In such contexts, the perpetrators of these crimes act with impunity. Organized crime and the illegal trafficking of drugs and of human beings choose their prey from among the people who have the most inadequate means of subsistence and even less hope for the future.” 

Personal reflection

What word or phrase from all that you have heard so far echoes in your heart?

To what do you feel invited, personally and communally?

Action | Music can be good to accompany this moment, such as Carey Landry’s “I will never forget you.” or instrumental music. 

I invite you to place your right hand on your left shoulder and your left hand on your right shoulder, and thus in that embrace recognize the Incarnate Word who teaches us to discover the infinite value of others. Feel God's embrace for you and also embrace so many people who live in situations of slavery.

Psalm | Ita Ford, M.M.

I hope that you come to find that which gives life a deep meaning for you. 

Something worth living for – 

maybe event worth dying for, 

something that energize you, enthuses you, 

enables you to keep moving ahead.

I can’t tell you what it might be – 

that’s for you to find, to choose, to love. 

I can just encourage you to start looking 

and support you in the search.

Praises 

Blessed be God.
Blessed be his Holy Name.
Blessed be Jesus Christ true God and true Man.
Blessed be the Name of Jesus.
Blessed be the Compassionate Heart of God
Blessed be Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament of the Community.

Blessed be the Ruah, Holy Spirit.

Blessed be the name of Mary, disciple and mother.

Blessed be St. Joseph, companion of life.

Blessed be God when a person succeeds in being free again.

Blessed be God in those who fight to stop human trafficking.

Amen.

CLOSING PRAYER | Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Trafficking- 2016

O God, when we hear of children and adults being 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

Another resource:

© A prayer resource by Congregational Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Office. A ministry of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word [World Day Against Human Trafficking 2020] Free Resource

Raise your voice and #StopIndifference against Human Trafficking

Talitha Kum, the global network against Human Trafficking, invites us to join the #StopIndifference Campaign on the occasion of the UN World Day Against Trafficking in Persons: 30th July.

Raise your voice against human trafficking! The blue heart represents the fight against this crime and at the same time it is a gesture of solidarity with the victims of trafficking: Here I am.

This year the United Nations has a goal: to work on the front lines of ending human trafficking. These are people who work in different ways: they identify, support, advise and seek justice for the victims of trafficking, and challenge the impunity of the traffickers.

During the COVID-19 crisis, the essential role of these relief figures has become even more important, particularly as the restrictions imposed by the pandemic have made their work even more difficult. Yet their contribution is often overlooked and unrecognized.

How can you join in?
Send us a picture of yourself with a blue heart, or write us a message.
Remember that you can contact us at jpic.office@gmail.com

Due Date
We are waiting for your messages or pictures until July 29th.

What else can I do now?
Publish your photo or message through your social networks. Please add the words: #StopIndifference against #HumanTrafficking #CCVIs4Justice

The Network in the World:
Talitha Kum is represented in 92 countries, on the 5 continents: 14 in Africa, 18 in Asia, 17 in America, 41 in Europe, 2 in Oceania. The Networks of Talitha Kum: 44 National Networks: 9 in Africa, 11 in Asia, 15 in America, 7 in Europe and 2 in Oceania. 7 regional coordinations: 2 in Latin America, 3 in Asia, 1 in Europe and 1 in Africa

As Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, we are part of this Network from the local networks in the United States, Mexico and Peru.

This is the impact of COVID-19 on modern slavery

The article "The Impact of COVID-19 on Modern Slavery" by Angharad Smith and Dr James Cockayne as a contribution to Delta 8.7 mentions that there are 40.3 million people estimated to be in human trafficking. In fact, the authors explain three current COVID-19 impacts:

1) heightening risks for those already exploited
2) increasing the risks of exploitation, including child labour and child marriage
3) disrupting response efforts.

Read more: https://delta87.org/2020/03/impact-covid-19-modern-slavery/?mc_cid=86b5480022&mc_eid=43e62b03bf

Bearing Witness: Life and Justice for All

Present at the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering 2020! 
The #CSMG20 is an annual major Gathering organized by the Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development in collaboration with 10 other USCCB departments and 16 national Catholic organizations to respond to pressing current domestic and global challenges.

During #CSMG20, more than 600 church leaders, staff, and clergy gathered to collaborate and discuss important issues impacting life and human dignity, including maternal and child health, human trafficking, family separation, incarceration, and more.