On February 8th the Catholic Church celebrates Saint Josephine Bakhita, born in Sudan, who was kidnapped and sold into slavery as a child. Once freed, Saint Josephine became a Canossian Sister who dedicated her life to testifying to her faith in God and comforting the poor and suffering.
In the footsteps of Saint Josephine Bakhita, on February 8th each year Talitha Kum celebrates the International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking, an occasion to join in prayer, reflection and awareness regarding the evil of human trafficking, and the power of joint action for the care, healing, empowerment and restoration of victims, survivors and individuals at risk.
Talitha Kum’s Call to Action wishes to encourage all relevant actors and stakeholders to join its Sisters in prayer and reflection, following Pope Frances’ invitation: “This Day is important because it helps us all to remember this tragedy, and encourages us not to stop praying and fighting together. May reflection and awareness always be accompanied by concrete gestures, which also open up paths to social emancipation.” (Video Message of His Holiness Pope Francis to the Participants in the 7th World Day of Prayer, Reflection and Action against Human Trafficking)