On February 8, 2025, the world will once again commemorate the World Day of Prayer and Reflection Against Human Trafficking, coinciding with the feast of St. Josephine Bakhita, a symbol of struggle and hope for the victims of modern slavery. Under the theme “Ambassadors of Hope: Together against Human Trafficking”, this day calls the faithful from all over the world to join in a pilgrimage of solidarity and justice.
As a Congregation present in 4 continents, we join from our places and spaces of life and mission to this day. This year we do it with a special nuance, with the presence of young Talitha Kum leaders, who are taking the reins in the fight against this scourge so present especially in the world of young women, adolescents and children.
In Peru, and I, as a member of the Permanent Commission of the Conference of Religious of Peru, we do it through the Kawsay Network (a word that means “live”). This organization is directly linked to Talitha Kum International, as well as to CLAR and to all the networks of fight against human trafficking, because the perpetrators act in a network, and only through a coordinated work in network we can have an impact on this reality.
This month has been very active for the commission in the continent and in Peru. We have prepared material of the day and images of St. Josephine Bakhita to send to many places in the country. In addition, in each place we have organized activities of prayer, sensitization and formation around the theme of the year.
With the Sisters of the different communities, Maria del Carmen Hernandez and I conducted a sensitization in the assembly of the country, and they in turn will replicate it in their places of mission. We motivate, produce materials, communicate and enkindle the hearts of all those we meet in the mission life as part of the coordinating team of the Kawsay Network in the country. In addition, this February 7 we will carry out a day of prayer in Pucallpa, together with the group of youth leaders. It will be dedicated especially to the youth, following the request of the Chapter Document:
“We want our mission spaces to be scenarios that make possible encounters in defense of life, where networks are woven with threads of care and tenderness. We want to embrace and welcome girls who live in situations of great vulnerability, on the street, orphaned and abandoned, victims and survivors of violence and sexual abuse, child labor and trafficking.”
NdN, 20
In the midst of this context, the desire is to approach the world of youth and adolescents, where human trafficking is most rampant, so that they can become “Ambassadors of Hope in a world broken by divisions, selfishness, the desire for power and possessions”. We want to turn them into bearers of life and engage them with their peers so that they can make a greater impact every day.
A word to all the people who read this article:
“let’s become aware and commit ourselves to the fight against human trafficking, knowing that our contribution is only a grain of sand that together with many others, millions around the world, make a strong network that will be able to reduce and, who knows, even end this scourge!”
IT’S UP TO YOU, IT’S UP TO ME, IT’S UP TO EACH ONE OF US! ACT NOW!
Sr. Isabel Miguélez, CCV
