In 2015, Pope Francis declared 8th February 2018 each year (the Feast of St Josephine Bakhita) as a day of prayer, reflection and action against human trafficking.
According to a 2016 United Nations report, there are more than 500 different human trafficking routes across many parts of the world. Millions of women, girls, men and boys are trafficked annually into domestic servitude, sexual exploitation, pornography, forced marriage and forced labour.
ACRATH (Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans), of which the Columbans are a member, have prepared a news release, homily notes & intercessions for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, and a church & school bulletin notice. As we celebrate this day, let us reflect on the role we can play to bring about an end to human trafficking and slavery in our time. Link to resources is here.
Mass to celebrate and reflect on the issue of Human Trafficking:
If you live in Sydney or Melbourne, you might like to attend a Mass to celebrate and reflect on the issue of Human Trafficking.
Details are as follows:
Melbourne: On Feb 8th at 7.30 pm there will be a mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne to celebrate the feast of St Josephine Bakhita.
For more details, please visit cam.org.au/justice.
Sydney: On Feb 8th at 5.30 pm Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral. For more details, please visit
http://www.sydneycatholic.org/news/latest_news/2018/2018131_1067.shtml