Initiated by Pope Francis in 2015, the World Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking is held on February 8. On this same day, tribute is paid to Saint Josephine Bakhita.
Saint Josephine Bakhita – Source: Vatican
She was born around 1869, in Olgossa, Darfur (Sudan). A victim of human trafficking from childhood (abducted and enslaved when she was around nine years old), Joséphine emigrated to Italy, where she joined a religious congregation.
Better known to some as “Maman Moretta”, Saint Josephine Bakhita bore 144 scars from her life as a persecuted person. She died on February 8, 1947, in Italy, and was beatified on May 17, 1992, before being canonized on October 1, 2000.
To mark its 20th anniversary, the Comité d’action contre la traite humaine interne et internationale (CATHII) organized a celebration at Saint-Bonaventure parish (5205, rue Saint-Zotique Est, Montreal, at the corner of 41st Avenue, east of rue Viau).
11th edition
The theme “Ambassadors of hope: together against human trafficking” ties in with Pope Francis’s call to be “pilgrims of peace and apostles of hope” as part of Jubilee 2025.
This 11th edition is an invitation to sisters and brothers of all ages, cultures and denominations to pray together to put an end to trafficking and other forms of exploitation. It is also a way of raising awareness of the issue among all groups and organizations, and encouraging them to take action to ensure better security and economic conditions. The aim is to counterbalance the methods of traffickers, who are refining their processes by making greater use of information technologies.
Over a hundred representatives of local and international organizations will be taking part in meetings in Rome from February 4 to 10. They will include young people, activists, survivors and personalities from the worlds of art and cinema, with the aim of raising awareness and inspiring systemic change in the fight against human trafficking and all other forms of modern slavery.
To find out more about the day, consult the concept sheet available in English, French and Spanish .
Prayer Marathon
Several activities are organized around this day, including a prayer vigil. The online marathon of prayer and reflection against human trafficking takes place in several languages on all continents on February 8, in tribute to Saint Bakhita.
Here are some indications of the potential schedule, particularly for South America (8:10 a.m.) and North America (9:20 a.m.). All times are Quebec time.
The marathon will be broadcast in several languages. Here are the links for English, French and Spanish interpretations.
You can also read the text of Pope Francis’s prayer in English, French and Spanish.
This day is a call for global action. “Together, on this journey, we are pilgrims of human dignity with hope, dream and action against all forms of exploitation and trafficking.”
In conclusion, the day is being promoted by the International Unions of Superiors (UISG) and Superiors General (USG). The coordination of the network of partners and participants has been entrusted to Talitha Kum, an international network created by the UISG to combat human trafficking.
Document for the prayer vigil also available in English, Spanish and French.