Talitha Kum is very happy to announce that Sr. Aurea (Abby) Avelino, M.M., is the new Talitha Kum Regional Referent for Asia. Sr. Abby from Japan will continue the work started by Sr. Mary Adeline Abamo, SDS, who has been active since 2016.

The Talitha Kum International Coordination Team welcomes and thanks God for the present of Sr. Abby Avelino. Sr. Abby is an active member of Talitha Kum Japan and very active in building networks and anti-trafficking activities. We are blessed to have her.

Here a reflection from Sr. Abby: 

"When I heard about this Spirituality of Motherhood from one of the resource persons of the Talitha Kum 2nd Leadership Formation training course which I’ve been taking, it made me reflect on what I have been doing as a pastoral minister with migrants and refugees here in Japan, particularly with women who are victims of domestic violence abuse and human trafficking.

I hear their stories, their journey, and their struggles as they live in a foreign land. Their stories are sacred; some of them were deceived, exploited, and abused. We are trying to empower each other to give hope, strength and dignity to all, especially to the most vulnerable women and children.
As I journey and empathize with them, I can resonate with them as migrants in a foreign land.
I was born and grew up in the Philippines then, later on, my family emigrated to the United States of America. 

I am a member of the Maryknoll Sisters of Saint Dominic and currently in mission in Japan.
I am called to bring the service to the universal mission of the Church by helping people, promoting the dignity of human beings, working to stop human trafficking, and helping the victims who have had their lives destroyed by multiple forms of slavery.

Mary in Her commitment to say YES!

As I continue my commitment to this ministry of fighting against human trafficking, I am called to embrace this Spirituality of Motherhood, like a mother who gives hope and caressing attention to all vulnerable ones. 

I was recently asked to take on this new role as the Talitha Kum Asia Coordinator. I am pleased to accept this commitment. It is an honor and opportunity for me to work in a wider collaboration with Talitha Kum Asia networks. Together we bring hope with “heartfelt concern for the poor, oppressed, hungry, and trafficked persons.”
 

Talitha Kum express also its gratitude to Sr. Mary Adeline Abamo for her amazing work, for the time she dedicated to build a coordination team in Asia, for her creativity and enthusiasm in combatting human trafficking.

"Dear Sr. Adel Talitha Kum International Coordination Committee will miss you and wish you blessing for your new mission in your congregation. We ensure to keep you in our prayers", Sr. Gabriella Bottani, International Coordinator of Talitha Kum. 

Contact Sr. Abby at asia@talithakum.info