St Josephine Bakhita
"The example of a saint of our time can to some degree help us understand what it means to have a real encounter with this God for the first time...
...The liberation that she had received through her encounter with the God of Jesus Christ, she felt she had to extend, it had to be handed on to others, to the greatest possible number of people. The hope born in her which had “redeemed” her she could not keep to herself; this hope had to reach many, to reach everybody."
Pope Francis
ENCYCLICAL LETTER - SPE SALVI
Patron Saint of Victims of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
Pope Francis designated 8th February, the feast of St Josephine Bakhita, as the World Day of Prayer, Reflection and Action Against Human Trafficking. On this day Catholics are encouraged to pray for all those affected by the crimes of modern slavery and human trafficking, and the people that volunteer and work to eradicate this crime.
Click on the image to download a copy of the Saint Bakhita prayer
PRAYER FOR VICTIMS OF MODERN SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING
We pray for the victims of human trafficking that they may be brought to freedom and rebuild their lives after the traumatic experiences they have suffered.
We pray that St Josephine Bakhita, sold into slavery as a child, intercedes with God for those trapped in a state of slavery, so that they will be released from the shackles of captivity.
We pray for all those who are dedicated to eradicating modern slavery and human trafficking that they will have the courage and strength to reach out and overcome challenges.
We pray that by our actions as consumers we always reject as gravely wrong any goods or services tainted with slavery.
We pray for our governments that their laws will protect victims of human trafficking and reject goods and services from sources associated with slavery and forced labour.
We pray that the Church will continue to defend and free victims of human trafficking and be a source of love, hope and faith to bring the vulnerable and enslaved to find healing for their wounds.
Amen.
St Josephine Bakhita,
Patron Saint of Victims of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking,
Pray for Us.
Watch a video about the
“Let the Oppressed Go Free” sculpture
by Timothy Schmalz featuring St Bakhita
