Sunday 8th Feb is the 12th International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking, on the Feast of St Josephine Bakhita, the patron saint of victims and survivors of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery.
Each year people of faith and goodwill from around the world are invited to join a global movement of prayer, reflection and action against the injustice of human trafficking.
This year’s theme, “Peace Begins with Dignity: A Global Call to End Human Trafficking,” draws inspiration from Pope Leo XIV’s powerful reminder that true peace is gentle and humble, born of love, and sustained where human dignity is upheld. The exploitation and objectification of people through trafficking fundamentally destroys the foundations of peace and justice, making its eradication essential to building a just world.
Let us respond with open hands, open eyes and ears, open hearts and open communities, promoting a spirit of encounter where every vulnerable person is seen, heard and welcomed.
Through prayer, we open our hearts; through reflection, we deepen our commitment; and through action, we bring Christ’s peace and freedom to those who need it most.
Modern Slavery is happening in our villages and cities, hidden in plain sight. Caritas has produced posters for every church in the Diocese to help people spot the signs of Modern Slavery and how to report concerns. Please look out for the poster and ask your Parish Safeguarding Rep if you cannot see one.