CATHII participates in the February 8 Prayer Marathon against Human Trafficking

For the third year in a row, the Committee for Action Against Internal and International Human Trafficking (CATHII) will contribute to the 2023 Prayer Marathon Against Human Trafficking. This online event is organized in conjunction with the World Day of Prayer and Reflection against Human Trafficking on Wednesday, February 8. It honors Saint Josephine Bakhita, a Sudanese sister who, as a child, lived the dramatic experience of being a victim of trafficking.

The CATHII presentation will begin the North American block of time, between 9:35 and 10:30 am. It will bring a French touch to this block also represented by the United States and Central American networks. A few words of introduction from the President of CATHII, Sr. IsaBelle Couillard, will be followed by a video prepared by Renaude Grégoire, Development Officer.

This pilgrimage of prayer and reflection will begin on the night of February 8, at 3:30 a.m. (Quebec time) to cross the various time zones involving the 44 or so Talitha Kum networks on all continents: from Oceania, to Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and then Latin America before concluding with North America at 10:30 a.m. The event is held in the form of prayers and testimonies illustrating the various religious commitments against human trafficking in the world. It is broadcast live in five languages (English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese).

Note: It is possible to view the entire pilgrimage by going to this page. Please note that this video is available for a limited time.

The various presentations should highlight this year’s theme, “Journey with Dignity”. This theme was suggested by a group of young representatives of international partner organizations such as: Caritas Internationalis, the Focolare Movement, Talitha Kum, The Clewer Initiative, USMI Rete Anti-Tratta and UMOFC.

“The theme is an invitation to all people of good will to walk with the victims and survivors of human trafficking, and in particular the migrant populations, as pilgrims of human dignity and hope. Young people, adults and children, people of different religious traditions, cultures and generations. Only together, as a community, we can put an end to this scourge. Safeguarding the dignity of every person is only possible if we know how to uphold peace and protect the environment,” said Sister Abby Avelino, MM, the new coordinator of Talitha Kum.

In closing, it should be noted that February 8 is the central moment of a whole week of gathering in Rome. An ecumenical prayer vigil in English and Italian will be held on Monday, February 6, after welcoming a group of about 20 young people representing various international organizations. These young people will participate in a series of meetings and training sessions on human trafficking. They will be invited to propose a statement of commitment to begin the process of preparing the 10th edition of the World Day of Prayer and Reflection against Trafficking in Persons next year. The week will conclude with their participation in the Angelus prayer with Pope Francis on Sunday, February 12.