Trafficking in Persons

End Human Trafficking

suffering intolerable injustice

Praying together to end Human Trafficking, 11th January – 8th February God of hope and peace, touch our hearts and energise our ongoing efforts in abolishing this heinous crime against humanity so that every victim is freed and every survivor’s life renewed. You blessed St Josephine Bakhita of Sudan with compassion for others. May her prayers comfort and strengthen the women, men and children who are in search of freedom. We ask for transformation of heart for those who inflict pain, anguish and grief on our vulnerable sisters and brothers. Give us generosity to stand in solidarity with others so that together we heal the hearts and lives of all

Forms of Human Trafficking

Child trafficking

The Society of the Sacred Heart is involved with the work of raising awareness of Trafficking of Humans. We have members belonging to ANZRATH (Aotearoa New Zealand Religious Against Trafficking in Humans) and ACRATH (Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans). Another excellent, pro-active organisation, Stop the Traffik offers an in depth understanding of the many forms of trafficking existing in every corner of our world. Sexual exploitation, Labour exploitation, domestic servitude, forced marriage, organ harvesting, drug trade, child soldiers… We invite you to visit these websites and learn more about the horrendous activities that are happening close to home. Know how to recognise the insidious signs and how to

St Bakhita Day 8 February

detail from icon of St Josephine Bakhita Her feast day is World Day for Prayer, Reflection & Action Against Human Trafficking

8 February – the Feast of St Josephine Bakhita – will be a day of prayer and reflection on human trafficking.  St Josephine Bakhita experienced kidnapping and slavery in both Sudan and Italy. Following her delivery to freedom she dedicated her life to sharing her story and to supporting the poor and suffering. She eventually became a Canossian Sister, living a life of prayer and service for fifty years. She died on 8 February 1947 and was canonized in 2000. St Bakhita Feast Day Resources Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans has prepared this reflection sheet to help communities, classes and groups to mark the day.  You may find

Advent Inspiration from ANZRATH

screen shot of the ANZRATH Advent calendar 2015

During Advent we wait in hope for the birth of the Christ child.  This Inspirational People of 2015 Advent Calendar helps us to count down the days.  Each day another story of an inspirational person is revealed. These stories of people taking action against trafficking in persons remind us that we are not powerless.  The Calendar is the work of Aotearoa New Zealand Religious Against Trafficking in Humans (ANZRATH). Aotearoa New Zealand Religious Against Trafficking in Humans raises awareness of human trafficking, its causes and of the scope for local action.  ANZRATH collaborates with other organizations in New Zealand, the Asia Pacific region, and around the world, to advocate for measures

Day of Prayer, Reflection & Action Against Trafficking

detail from icon of St Josephine Bakhita Her feast day is World Day for Prayer, Reflection & Action Against Human Trafficking

The World Day of Prayer, Reflection and Action Against Human Trafficking will be celebrated for the first time on Sunday 8 February 2015, the Feast of St Josephine Bakhita.  The Day has been declared in response to a request from women religious to Pope Francis. The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and Catholic Religious Australia are getting behind it and have produced a range of useful resources for schools, parishes, religious communities and groups.  The Society of the Sacred Heart is a long time supporter of Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans and New Zealand Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans.  We encourage you to join in prayer, reflection and