Day of Prayer Against Human Trafficking
Saturday, 8th February 2025, marks the eleventh International Day of Prayer and Reflection Against Human Trafficking. This significant day, inaugurated by Pope Francis in 2015, coincides with the Feast Day of St Josephine Bakhita.
St Josephine Bakhita is the patron saint of victims of human trafficking because her life mirrors the harrowing experiences of those who have suffered similar atrocities. Born in Sudan, she was abducted as a child by slave traders, subjected to unimaginable cruelty, and sold multiple times in brutal slave markets. Her story resonates profoundly with the plight of trafficking victims today, as she endured the loss of freedom, identity, and dignity. Despite her suffering, Bakhita’s journey is one of extraordinary resilience and redemption. After gaining her freedom in Italy and becoming a nun, she dedicated her life to serving others and advocating for human dignity. Her canonisation in 2000 brought global attention to her story, making her a powerful symbol of hope and healing for trafficking survivors and a reminder of the urgent need to combat modern slavery.
The issue of human trafficking remains critically important. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ (UNHCR) midyear trends report, the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide reached 120 million in May 2024 due to war, armed conflict, and violence. This figure includes 62.5 million internally displaced persons, 36.4 million refugees, and 6.1 million asylum seekers. Migrants and refugees are particularly vulnerable to forced imprisonment and modern slavery.
This year’s theme for the Day of Prayer Against Human Trafficking is ‘Ambassadors of Hope: Together Against Human Trafficking’. Talitha Kum, the International Network of Consecrated Life Against Human Trafficking, emphasised the collective responsibility to address this global crisis. A spokesperson for the organisation said:
“We are all called in this journey in dignity to be ambassadors of hope. Together, our actions have the power to transform lives with compassion and create a world free from human trafficking. As we participate in this Day to which the Church calls us, let us include everyone—survivors and perpetrators—for a transformative power of care, hope, and mercy.”
Human dignity is the cornerstone of Catholic Social teaching and human trafficking and modern slavery is an offence against human dignity as it discards the inherent rights of the individual in targeting and exploiting the vulnerable.
Pope Francis has described human trafficking as a “crime against humanity.” He urges Christians to love radically, advocating for justice and protecting the most vulnerable in society, including migrants, the impoverished, and the homeless. Catholics are called to embody Christ’s love in action, and engaging in the fight against human trafficking is a profound way to fulfil this mission.
As the world unites in prayer and reflection on this day, the call to action remains clear: to confront human trafficking with compassion, resilience, and unwavering hope for a future free from this crime.
Prayer:
O God, who led Saint Josephine Bakhita from abject slavery to the dignity of being your daughter and a bride of Christ, grant, we pray, that by her example we may show constant love for the Lord Jesus crucified, remaining steadfast in charity and prompt to show compassion. Amen.
For more information on our diocesan response to human trafficking visit these pages of the website contact CARITAS Northampton
If you have immediate concerns concerning the safety of individuals please contact the police or our diocesan safeguarding office
