Written by On the 6th February a few NBCW members attended a webinar run by the National Justice and Peace Network. The NJPN has made all the materials available online so that as many people can learn about this issue as possible.
Slavery, and buying and selling people, are serious crimes and should be taken very much more seriously than they are – probably because slaves, in our society, are usually invisible, have no voice, and are usually from somewhere else – Albania, Vietnam. Anything that we can do at an individual level to be aware of what is going on around us is to be encouraged.
Some highlighted groups are Santa Maria Group, Renate Europe, Talitha Kum, Mary Ward Loreto.
You can watch the full webinar here:
We ask for the intercession of Saint Josphine Bakhita, Patron Saint of Sudan and human-trafficking survivors, to bring light to this issue and succour to those affected:
Father in heaven,
May the faith you have given us in your Son, Jesus Christ,
move us to defend the dignity of every human life
and reawaken in us the blessed hope of a world free from oppression and slavery.
As you once led your servant, St. Josephine Bakhita,
from the darkness of captivity to the light of faith,
may your grace transform us into tireless defenders of justice.
May we be bold in speaking for those who have no voice,
compassionate in healing the wounds of the oppressed,
and unwavering in our commitment to end human trafficking in all its forms.
May the seeds of your Gospel take root in the hearts of traffickers,
bringing conversion where there is cruelty,
mercy where there is greed,
and repentance where there is exploitation.
May those who suffer in slavery today
find in your love the courage to hope,
the strength to endure,
and the freedom that is their birthright as children of God.
May the grace of the Jubilee inspire in us, Pilgrims of Hope,
a yearning for a world where no one is bought or sold,
where every person is cherished as your beloved creation.
Through the prayers of St. Josephine Bakhita,
may joy, peace, and justice be sown across the earth,
until that day when all chains are broken,
all wounds are healed,
and your glory shines eternally.
To you, our God, eternally blessed,
be glory and praise forever.
Amen.
