Ending Trafficking Begins with us. Das Ende des Menschenhandels beginnt mit uns. Terminarea traficului incepe cu noi.Dhënia fund e Trafikimit Fillon me NE. Az emberkereskedelem vége velünk kezdődik! It-tmiem tat-traffikar uman jibda minna stess. Ukončenie obchodovania začína od nás. Крајот на Трговијата започнува со нас. Terminar com o tráfico começa por nós. Fine tratta comincia da Noi. Oprirea traficului de persoane începe cu noi. Położenie kresu handlowi ludźmi zaczyna się od nas. Het einde van mensenhandel begint bij ons. Mettre fin à la Traite : à nous d’abord de nous y mettre. Konec trgovanja z nami. Припинення торгівлі людьми починається з нас. Kova prieš prekybą žmonėmis prasideda nuo mūsų. Acabar con el tráfico humano empieza con NOSOTROS. At gøre ende på menneskehandel begynder hos os. Cilēku tirdzniecības beigas sākas ar mums. KONEC OBCHODOVÁNÍ S LIDMI ZAČÍNÁ NÁMI! KRAJ TRGOVANJA POČINJE S NAMA! PRESTANAK TRGOVANJA LJUDIMA ZAPOČINJE S NAMA! Краят на трафика на хора, започва с нас
Category: International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking. 8th February 2018. Feast Day of St. Joseph Bakhita.
Don’t forget to log into RENATE’s events page www.renateevents.net for news of RENATE’s latest video recording, prepared for the occasion of the 8 February, the International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking.
The central theme of the video recording is ‘’An Economy without Human Trafficking,’’ with input on various aspects of RENATE’s anti-human trafficking work.
The video will be launched on YouTube at 18:00 (GMT) 7 February next, by way of an evening vigil on the eve of the feast of St. Bakhita, the patron saint of all who are trafficked.
On February 8, 2019 let’s turn on a light against the trafficking of persons, to celebrate the 5th edition of the International Day of Prayer and Awareness against human trafficking that this year will have as its theme:“TOGETHER against human trafficking”.
The first edition of the IDPT was celebrated on February 8, 2015, by the will of Pope Francis, who in 2014 entrusted the International Union of Superiors and Superiors General (UISG / USG) with promoting this day. In these years, gathering in prayer has facilitated collaborating and overcoming the boundaries within which we operate, dedicated to our projects that, although very important, could lead us to cut ourselves off from the others. The great tragedy of trafficking urges us to overcome every barrier to join forces and collaborate for the common good. On February 12th 2018, Pope Francis received a group of young people and representatives of the organizations sponsoring the International Day of Prayer. On this occasion he donated a very beautiful prayer that can be downloaded, into many different languages, from TALITHA KUM Website. Urged by the questions of the young participants, Pope Francis recalled how important it is to tackle the root causes of trafficking and wished “that all of you can send a message to leaders at every level of governments, business and society, to demand access to quality education and, consequently, fair and sustainable employment.” This requires us to coordinate our actions and unite our strengths. “Together against human trafficking” is the invitation addressed to everyone, each according to their own possibilities.
Feast Day 8 February
St Josephine Bakhita, also known as ‘Mother Moretta’ (our Black Mother) bore 144 physical scars throughout her life which were received after she was kidnapped at the age of nine and sold into slavery.
Born c. 1869 in Olgossa, Darfur, Sudan Died 8 February 1947, Italy Year of beatification 1992 (17 May) Year of canonisation 2000 (1 October)
Such was the trauma experienced that she forgot her birth name and her kidnappers gave her the name Bakhita meaning ‘fortunate’. Flogging and maltreatment were part of her daily life. She experienced the moral and physical humiliations associated with slavery. It was only in 1882 that her suffering was alleviated after she was bought for the Italian Consul. This event was to transform her life. In this family and, subsequently in a second Italian home, she received from her masters, kindness, respect, peace and joy. Josephine came to discover love in a profound way even though at first she was unable to name its source. A change in her owner’s circumstances meant that she was entrusted to the Canossian Sisters of the Institute of the Catechumens in Venice. It was there that Bakhita came to know about God whom, ‘she had experienced in her heart without knowing who He was’ since she was a child. She was received into the Catholic Church in 1890, joining the sisters and making final profession in 1896. The next fifty years of her life were spent witnessing to God’s love through cooking, sewing, embroidery and attending to the door. When she was on door duty, she would gently lay her hands on the heads of the children who attended the nearby school and caress them. Her voice was pleasing to the little ones, comforting to the poor and suffering. She was a source of encouragement. Her constant smile won people’s hearts, as did her humility and simplicity. As she grew older she experienced long, painful years of sickness, but she continued to persevere in hope, constantly choosing the good. When visited and asked how she was, she’d respond: ‘As the Master desires’. During her last days she relived the painful days of her slavery and more than once begged: ‘Please, loosen the chains… they are heavy!’. Surrounded by the sisters, she died on 8 February 1947.
Archbishop George OP Background of Art painted by Trafficked people at Shelter D&E
This year the theme for Bakhita Day: ‘’Say YES to Freedom and No to slavery: Migration without Trafficking’’, attracted many people to come and be present at the cathedral of St Paul in the heart of Tirana, Albania. This theme concerns all of us in every corner of the world. Here in Albania we have refugee camps and the country struggles to bring real justice to the many people coming through our borders. Thousands of Albanians are now refugees all over Europe and some caught up in the nightmare of human trafficking. This day helped us to focus on the details and the suffering, asking for pardon as we own our participation in such a global crime. The evening event was led by the Albanian network against human trafficking called URAT. Both the Archbishop of Tirana, George Frendo OP and the Government Minster against Human Trafficking, Rovena Voda, spoke movingly and with passion during this service, highlighting the many issues related to Human Trafficking and reflecting the stories which lead to such trauma. All members of the network participated in the evening event and bought with them many members of their organisations who are part of this ongoing effort to eliminate the world of human trafficking. The evening worship consisted of a shortened form of that compiled by Talitha Kum in Rome. It included the wearing of wrist bands distributed during the evening declaring our involvement ‘’Yes to Freedom and No to slavery’’, a film made locally on Safe Migration by MWL and two Power Points. One of these PP’s expressed the horror of the plight of refugees all over the world and the other, which was addressed by students from the Company of Mary School called ‘’Ylber’’, illustrated the many pieces of art work produced by the students as an anti-trafficking awareness raising campaign in the school. All the prayers and readings illustrated the plight of the trafficked and the need for all people to take action against such a crime and we were called to be in union with Pope Francis who is leading us in this action.
The service in Albania involved a call to action in support of the refugees in the local camp in Tirana. All those present were invited to contribute to the care and the demanding upkeep of the many people from countries, mainly in the Middle East, who are resident in this centre. URAT, the Albanian network against trafficking, which meets monthly at Mary Ward Loreto, will implement this action within the next month. This will be in collaboration with the director of the refugee camp.The pictures of the evening, focusing on this issue, reflect very much the mood of the evening. [nggallery id=25]
This year, as part of the preparations for the 4th International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking, the St. Bakhita Network in Poland prepared a special Novena to St. Bakhita, which began on 30th January and will last until 7th February. The Novena to St. Bakhita for the victims of human trafficking and for the cessation of all forms of slavery was addressed, along with an appeal, to a wide audience. Many religious Congregations and communities in Poland join in this prayer. Thanks to the Conference of Major Superiors, the letter written by us – the Bakhita Network – was delivered to all Congregations in Poland. The novena was also published on many Catholic websites. Some parishes, various community groups, school youth (we informed catechists) and individual people also join in this prayer. On the 8th February, in the memory of St. Bakhita and to be mindful about Modern Slavery, holy masses and services will be celebrated in many places. In several cities there will be a screening of the film Nefarious: Merchant of Souls, followed by a meeting about counteracting human trafficking. For these occasions, small leaflets with brief information on human trafficking prevention have been printed for distribution. The members of the Bakhita Network, their collaborators and friends are responsible for organising most of those events. All materials are available at: http://www.siecbakhita.com/index.php/nowenna-do-sw-bakhity ; http://www.siecbakhita.com/index.php/wiadomosci/157-zapraszamy-do-modlitwy-nowenna-do-sw-bakhity 8 Feb 18 Poland Novena Nowenna do św. Bakhity_PDF Adapted by Anne Kelleher, RENATE Communications.
In partnership with the Clewer Initiative, the Medaille Trust are holding an evening of reflection, thought-provoking presentations, music and prayer, to commemorate St. Bakhita’s feast-day, 8 February. The event will take place in the beautiful Liverpool Cathedral, St. James Mount, L1 7AZ, Liverpool, commencing at 16:00. Guest speakers include Mr. Garry Smith, newly appointed Chief Executive of the Medaille Trust, following the recently retired former Chief Executive, Mr. Mike Emberson and Reverend Christel Erving, Anti-Trafficking project coordinator for the Diocese of Liverpool. There will be exhibition stands and literature from the Medaille Trust and the Clewer Initiative plus a craft stall of items for sale from the Mama Margaret anti-trafficking project, Kenya. RSVP: comms@medaille-trust.org.uk or call Richard on 0785 275 0082. Prepared by Anne Kelleher, RENATE Communications.
The URAT (United Response Against Trafficking) Network in Albania has prepared a Prayer and Liturgy Service which will be held at St. Paul’s cathedral, Tirana on the 8th of February. Confirmed attendance include the Deputy Minister of Interns/ National Co-ordinator against Trafficking in Persons, who will present a speech. Archbishop George Frendo will present the homely. Please find attached the materials related to the event: Prayer Card; The Liturgy; The poster; The invitation. This year, the network has chosen to concentrate on the theme Migration without Trafficking, and will be supporting the National Asylum and Migration Centre in Babrru, Tirana by means of food, materials and goods for the refugees currently living there. This action will take place post St. Bakhita Day. Watch this space for news and photographs!
RENATE member Gabriella Légrádi, SCSC, sends us a copy of the Flier announcing the Prayer Service organised by SOLWODI Hungary, which will be held in Budapest, 8 February 2018. Beginning with a thirty minute time of silent prayer and reflection, the Jesuit community will lead the congregation in the celebration of Mass. After Mass, there will be a talk about Human Trafficking, with input from a policewoman, a priest and also from a woman at a local shelter. It is hoped that there will be a large turnout of people, to learn more about Human Trafficking and to pray together for the victims and the end of trafficking. Prepared by Anne Kelleher, RENATE Communications.
RENATE member Viktorija Šimić, SCSC, shares her human trafficking awareness-raising actions to mark the feast of St. Bakhita, 8th February, 2018. Commencing on the 25th January, Viktorija continues her visits to parishes and has arranged to visit six parishes from late January and throughout the month of February. Every Thursday, she will visit a different parish to give a talk about Human Trafficking and to pray with the parish priests and the assembly, for the victims and to bring an end to Human Trafficking. It is a source of great hope that the parish priests are receptive to the topic. An additional step has been the translation of the RENATE Information and Awareness-raising Flier, which has been translated into Croatian and which Viktorija has circulated to all the Religious communities (male and female) in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. ‘’Let’s hope that this small step forward will help the Religious and the Church in general in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, to know more about human trafficking in order to pray more earnestly and to act accordingly. May St Bakhita pray for us, and may God bless us.’’- Sr. Viktorija. Prepared by Anne Kelleher, RENATE Communications.
The annual RENATE campaign in honour of St. Bakhita is under way and we invite members to share their plans for events due to take place to mark the occasion. News of events will be shared amongst the network, via the RENATE website. Please forward to communications@renate-europe.net
Events to mark the feast of St. Bakhita, 2018. The International day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking:
St. Bakhita in the spotlight at TV2000, Rome. RENATE member, Sr. Tina Ventimiglia, shares with us her participation in an interview panel hosted by TV2000, Rome, discussing Human Trafficking and contemporary society. Full programme at:
Event in Albania, 8 February, 2018- In honour of the International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking, feast of St. Bakhita.
Archbishop George OP Background of Art painted by Trafficked people at Shelter D&E
This year the theme for Bakhita Day: ‘’Say YES to Freedom and No to slavery: Migration without Trafficking’’, attracted many people to come and be present at the cathedral of St Paul in the heart of Tirana, Albania. This theme concerns all of us in every corner of the world. Here in Albania we have refugee camps and the country struggles to bring real justice to the many people coming through our borders. Thousands of Albanians are now refugees all over Europe and some caught up in the nightmare of human trafficking. This day helped us to focus on the details and the suffering, asking for pardon as we own our participation in such a global crime. The evening event was led by the Albanian network against human trafficking called URAT. Both the Archbishop of Tirana, George Frendo OP and the Government Minster against Human Trafficking, Rovena Voda, spoke movingly and with passion during this service, highlighting the many issues related to Human Trafficking and reflecting the stories which lead to such trauma. All members of the network participated in the evening event and bought with them many members of their organisations who are part of this ongoing effort to eliminate the world of human trafficking. The evening worship consisted of a shortened form of that compiled by Talitha Kum in Rome. It included the wearing of wrist bands distributed during the evening declaring our involvement ‘’Yes to Freedom and No to slavery’’, a film made locally on Safe Migration by MWL and two Power Points. One of these PP’s expressed the horror of the plight of refugees all over the world and the other, which was addressed by students from the Company of Mary School called ‘’Ylber’’, illustrated the many pieces of art work produced by the students as an anti-trafficking awareness raising campaign in the school. All the prayers and readings illustrated the plight of the trafficked and the need for all people to take action against such a crime and we were called to be in union with Pope Francis who is leading us in this action.
The service in Albania involved a call to action in support of the refugees in the local camp in Tirana. All those present were invited to contribute to the care and the demanding upkeep of the many people from countries, mainly in the Middle East, who are resident in this centre. URAT, the Albanian network against trafficking, which meets monthly at Mary Ward Loreto, will implement this action within the next month. This will be in collaboration with the director of the refugee camp.The pictures of the evening, focusing on this issue, reflect very much the mood of the evening. [nggallery id=25]
RENATE member Sr. Joanna Lipowska, fmm, sends us news from the Bakhita Network in Poland, in honour of St. Bakhita’s Feast Day, 8th February 2018.
This year, as part of the preparations for the 4th International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking, the St. Bakhita Network in Poland prepared a special Novena to St. Bakhita, which began on 30th January and will last until 7th February. The Novena to St. Bakhita for the victims of human trafficking and for the cessation of all forms of slavery was addressed, along with an appeal, to a wide audience. Many religious Congregations and communities in Poland join in this prayer. Thanks to the Conference of Major Superiors, the letter written by us – the Bakhita Network – was delivered to all Congregations in Poland. The novena was also published on many Catholic websites. Some parishes, various community groups, school youth (we informed catechists) and individual people also join in this prayer. On the 8th February, in the memory of St. Bakhita and to be mindful about Modern Slavery, holy masses and services will be celebrated in many places. In several cities there will be a screening of the film Nefarious: Merchant of Souls, followed by a meeting about counteracting human trafficking. For these occasions, small leaflets with brief information on human trafficking prevention have been printed for distribution. The members of the Bakhita Network, their collaborators and friends are responsible for organising most of those events. All materials are available at: http://www.siecbakhita.com/index.php/nowenna-do-sw-bakhity ; http://www.siecbakhita.com/index.php/wiadomosci/157-zapraszamy-do-modlitwy-nowenna-do-sw-bakhity 8 Feb 18 Poland Novena Nowenna do św. Bakhity_PDF Adapted by Anne Kelleher, RENATE Communications.
RENATE member, Sr. Tina Ventimiglia shares the poster prepared by her community, inviting everyone to join them in prayer at 20.00 at Cappella San Giuseppe lavoratore, Padua on the 8th February.
In partnership with the Clewer Initiative, the Medaille Trust are holding an evening of reflection, thought-provoking presentations, music and prayer, to commemorate St. Bakhita’s feast-day, 8 February. The event will take place in the beautiful Liverpool Cathedral, St. James Mount, L1 7AZ, Liverpool, commencing at 16:00. Guest speakers include Mr. Garry Smith, newly appointed Chief Executive of the Medaille Trust, following the recently retired former Chief Executive, Mr. Mike Emberson and Reverend Christel Erving, Anti-Trafficking project coordinator for the Diocese of Liverpool. There will be exhibition stands and literature from the Medaille Trust and the Clewer Initiative plus a craft stall of items for sale from the Mama Margaret anti-trafficking project, Kenya. RSVP: comms@medaille-trust.org.uk or call Richard on 0785 275 0082. Prepared by Anne Kelleher, RENATE Communications.
Events taking place in Albania in honour of St. Bakhita, 8 February 2018- International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking. The URAT (United Response Against Trafficking) Network in Albania has prepared a Prayer and Liturgy Service which will be held at St. Paul’s cathedral, Tirana on the 8th of February. Confirmed attendance include the Deputy Minister of Interns/ National Co-ordinator against Trafficking in Persons, who will present a speech. Archbishop George Frendo will present the homely. Please find attached the materials related to the event: Prayer Card; The Liturgy Service; The poster; The invitation. This year, the network has chosen to concentrate on the theme Migration without Trafficking, and will be supporting the National Asylum and Migration Centre in Babrru, Tirana by means of food, materials and goods for the refugees currently living there. This action will take place post St. Bakhita Day. Watch this space for news and photographs!
Event in Hungary, 8 February, 2018- In honour of the International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking, feast of St. Bakhita. RENATE member Gabriella Légrádi, SCSC, sends us a copy of the Flier announcing the Prayer Service organised by SOLWODI Hungary, which will be held in Budapest, 8 February 2018. Beginning with a thirty minute time of silent prayer and reflection, the Jesuit community will lead the congregation in the celebration of Mass. After Mass, there will be a talk about Human Trafficking, with input from a policewoman, a priest and also from a woman at a local shelter. It is hoped that there will be a large turnout of people, to learn more about Human Trafficking and to pray together for the victims and the end of trafficking. Prepared by Anne Kelleher, RENATE Communications.
In honour of St. Bakhita, a series of talks at parishes is under way in Croatia. RENATE member Viktorija Šimić, SCSC, shares her human trafficking awareness-raising actions to mark the feast of St. Bakhita, 8th February, 2018. Commencing on the 25th January, Viktorija continues her visits to parishes and has arranged to visit six parishes from late January and throughout the month of February. Every Thursday, she will visit a different parish to give a talk about Human Trafficking and to pray with the parish priests and the assembly, for the victims and to bring an end to Human Trafficking. It is a source of great hope that the parish priests are receptive to the topic. An additional step has been the translation of the RENATE Information and Awareness-raising Flier, which has been translated into Croatian and which Viktorija has circulated to all the Religious communities (male and female) in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. ‘’Let’s hope that this small step forward will help the Religious and the Church in general in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, to know more about human trafficking in order to pray more earnestly and to act accordingly. May St Bakhita pray for us, and may God bless us.’’- Sr. Viktorija. Prepared by Anne Kelleher, RENATE Communications.
Events to mark the feast of St. Bakhita, 2018. The International day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking. (Published on Friday, 19th of January):
APT Ireland (Act to Prevent Trafficking) have planned an Inter-Church service, to take place at St. Paul’s Church, Arran Quay in Dublin, on the evening of the 8 February. The theme will be ‘’Set my People Free,’’ with imagery of paper chains playing a central part of the evening. The interactive service comprises reflections on Readings; Prayers and personal sharing. A brief drama will feature as part of the service and a guest speaker from RUHAMA will address those present. The programme for the evening has been jointly prepared by APT and RENATE members with members of other organisations who share the same ministry in awareness-raising, advocacy, working against human trafficking and supporting survivors as they rebuild their lives. See poster attached. APT Flier 2018 Prepared by Anne Kelleher, RENATE Communications.
The RENATE Film Called to Give Voice to the Voiceless will be screened in St. Michael’s church in the city centre, as part of the plans to mark the 8th of February, feast-day of St. Bakhita and the International day of awareness and Prayer against Human Trafficking. RENATE member, Sr. Magdalena Eichinger, SSpS, sends us news of SOLWODI Austria’s plans in Vienna, in honour of the occasion. Sr. Anna from SOLWODI, has prepared a prayer service which will take place at St. Michael’s church. Before the service, Sr. Anna, Sr. Magdalena and their colleagues will distribute information flyers in the streets and invite people to join the service and/or access more information which will be available in the foyer of the church. The service will conclude with a screening of the RENATE film Called to give Voice to the Voiceless. After the service, there will be a meeting of those attending, largely members from the different organisations involved in this ministry, with an opportunity to network and share experiences, whilst enjoying some refreshments. 8 February 2018 Poster SOLWODI Austria. Adapted by Anne Kelleher, RENATE Communications.
Event to mark the feast of St. Bakhita, 2018, in Bratislava, Slovakia. RENATE member Andrea Bezákovà, sends us news of plans to mark St. Bakhita’s feast day, 8 February 2018, as CHARITA Slovakia hold a Prayer Service at 19.30 in Bratislava, with music from the Taizé tradition performed by the Salvatoris Choir. ‘’Prayer leads to a deeper knowledge of the other, to knowledge that does not judge, but understands and is capable of suffering with others.’’ Anselm Grün, Benedictine monk. For more: http://infomail.nawebe.net/files/uploads/plagat_2018.pdf
Feast of St. Bakhita, 8 February 2018. ‘’Say YES to Freedom and No to Slavery.’’ (Published on Friday, 12th of January 2018):
In preparation for events to honour the feast of St. Bakhita, we invite you to participate in the annual RENATE Campaign to mark the International day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking and to share with us your plans and/or any event that you participated in or attended. . A variety of events present themselves, ranging from; holding a Prayer Service; using the RENATE video ‘Called to Give Voice to the Voiceless;’ attendance at a Liturgy; giving a talk to a community; holding an awareness-raising event; keeping a Prayerful vigil and much more. Please find a link to Talitha Kum, for suggestions and information on the feast day http://preghieracontrotratta.org/?lang=en Also available from the USCSAHT (U.S. Catholic Sisters against Human Trafficking), is their annual Calendar of Prayer, prepared by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, in the United States of America.
UISG has released its resources for The International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking 2018 which will be celebrated on 8 February. The theme is ‘Migration without trafficking’. Access the resources in multiple languages here Looking forward to hearing from you! Anne Kelleher, RENATE Communications.
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