In January, Pray for Trafficking Victims

January 11 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Since 2010, by Presidential Proclamation, each January has been designated National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. February 8th has been designated by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and the International Union of Superiors General as an annual day of prayer and awareness against human trafficking. February 8th is the feast day of St. Josephine Bakhita, who was kidnapped as a child and sold into slavery in Sudan and Italy.

This month, we ask you to pray for victims of human trafficking, beginning with this prayer from Catholic Relief Services. 

God of Light, we pray for all the people - men, women and children - hidden in the darkness of modern day slavery. Help us shine Your light into the homes, streets, factories and brothels in our own neighborhoods and around the world where people are enslaved. The darkness is as light to you, O Lord. No person in any corner of the world is hidden from Your sight. Help us shine Your light. Amen.

Visit the National Council of Catholic Women's (NCCW) website to learn more about how your parish can participate in NCCW's national five-part program against human trafficking.