January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in the U.S. This national observance is followed with the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking on February 8. This date is the feast day of Saint Josephine Bakhita, who was kidnapped as a child and sold into slavery in Sudan and Italy. Once Josephine was freed, she became a Canossian nun and dedicated her life to sharing her witness of deliverance from slavery and comforting the poor and suffering. She was declared a saint in 2000. Please join us in praying to Saint Josephine Bakhita for her ongoing intercession on behalf of all who suffer from any form of slavery or human trafficking: Prayer to End Trafficking / Oración por el fin del tráfico humano.
Share the story of Saint Josephine Bakhita / Santa Josefina Bakhita with families and older students, and pray (English / Spanish) together for the victims of human trafficking.
Pflaum shares this special music video by John Burland, We Sing for Freedom. Please share this video with others and pray for those suffering from and those perpetrating these injustices.
Find more information, resources, and opportunities for action provided by Catholic Relief Services here.
Image credit: © Bayard, Inc., CPP/CIRIC
