Awareness Raising Event with SSpS Sisters in Steyl, Netherlands, 8th July 2023.

News from RENATE Core Group Member, Ivonne Van de Kar

On Saturday 8^th July 2023, RENATE Core Group member, Ivonne van de Kar, was invited by the Dutch province of the SSpS sisters, to their Motherhouse in the village of Steyl, to speak on the issue of Human Trafficking. For the thousands of Sisters and SVD Fathers, this Motherhouse, in the south of the Netherlands near the German border, is viewed as the ‘Centre of the World’ of their congregation.

During the event, Ms. Van de Kar spoke about the various complexities surrounding anti-human trafficking, including Dutch law and the existing laws in other countries. She provided background information to the SSps Sisters on what Human Trafficking is, how it can occur, and the various forms that exist. Lastly, Ms. Van de Kar shared about Saint Josephine Bakita, the Patron Saint of Victims of Trafficking, and informed the congregation on how they and the church can assist in anti-human trafficking efforts.

On a scorching hot summers day, this awareness raising event was hugely successful and sparked many meaningful and thought-provoking conversations.