World Day of Prayer and Reflection Against Human Trafficking
Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 7:60-61
Mass: Heb 13:1-8; Resp Ps 27; Mk 6:14-29
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
On this day when we remember and celebrate Saint Josephine Bakhita, a victim of slavery and human trafficking, it seems fitting to include another paragraph from the recently issued Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together, co-signed by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed el-Tayeb:
It
is an essential requirement to recognize the right of women to education and
employment, and to recognize their freedom to exercise their own political
rights. Moreover, efforts must be made to free women from historical and social
conditioning that runs contrary to the principles of their faith and dignity.
It is also necessary to protect women from sexual exploitation and from being
treated as merchandise or objects of pleasure or financial gain. Accordingly,
an end must be brought to all those inhuman and vulgar practices that denigrate
the dignity of women. Efforts must be made to modify those laws that prevent
women from fully enjoying their rights.
YOUR PRESENCE, O LORD, I SEEK.
YOU ARE MY HELPER: CAST ME NOT OFF.
(Resp Ps 27)
For a generous welcome of the victims of human trafficking, of enforced prostitution, and of violence.
(Holy Father's Prayer Intention, February 3, 2019)
SAINT JOSEPHINE BAKHITA, SAINT JEROME EMILIANI, PRAY FOR US.
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