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On February 6th, members of various religious congregations gathered in Brussels to celebrate the Feast Day of St. Josephine Bakhita and the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking. The event, held at the Chapel of St. Gertrude in Etterbeek, was a powerful gathering of solidarity and prayer for the victims of human trafficking, migration, and climate displacement.
Religious communities such as the Sisters of the Assumption, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Good Shepherd, Hospital Sisters of Sacred Heart, Spiritans, and Missionaries of Africa were joined by women and men from the local Christian community. Together, they participated in a Vigil titled “Ambassadors of Hope: Together Against Human Trafficking,” walking in solidarity across continents, remembering those affected by these grave issues.
The vigil was filled with prayers, reflections, and testimonies from different continents, providing a space for both personal and collective prayer. The refrain, inspired by Isaiah 65:17 and Revelation 21:1, echoed through the chapel: “New heavens and a new earth are coming, which your goodness will give us! New heavens and a new earth are coming, where your justice will dwell.”
We invoked St. Josephine Bakhita, a saint who endured enslavement and was later liberated, asking for her intercession in breaking the chains of those trafficked today. Her prayer was recited, and the event concluded with the powerful song “Oh Freedom,” symbolizing the shared commitment to fight for freedom and justice.
Before leaving, each participant received a small footprint as a symbol of their personal commitment to addressing human trafficking, climate injustice, and forced migration. The event not only provided a space for prayer but also an opportunity for networking and encouraging future actions. Conversations continued afterward as new contacts were made and ideas for further initiatives were shared.
Sr. Francoise Coppieters, Sr. Bénédicte Goorissen, and Fr. Andreas Göpfert, members of the preparation team, reflected on the success of the event and the fruitful collaboration that inspired everyone involved. Looking ahead, they are already planning next year’s event, which will take place during the day to ensure that religious sisters and brothers of all ages, especially during the winter months, can participate.
We look forward to continuing the work of raising awareness and standing in solidarity against human trafficking in Brussels and beyond.
Andreas Göpfert, member of RENATE
