As pointed out by the Pastoral Orientations on Human Trafficking, “our times have witnessed a growth of individualism and egocentricity, attitudes that tend to regard others through a lens of cool utility, valuing them according to criteria of convenience and personal benefit”. It is essentially this tendency to commodify the other, which I have repeatedly denounced. Trafficking in persons is one of the most dramatic manifestations of this commodification. In its many forms, it constitutes “an open wound on the body of contemporary society”, a profound injury to the humanity of those who suffer it and to its perpetrators. Trafficking profoundly disfigures the humanity of the victim, offending his or her freedom and dignity. Yet at the same time, it dehumanizes those who carry it out, denying them access to “life in abundance”. Finally, trafficking seriously damages humanity as a whole, tearing apart the human family as well as the Body of Christ.Action Catholics can take This day calls for Catholics and all people of good will to reflect and pray for this practice to come to an end. Although awareness is a good place from which to begin, there are other opportunities available to those who want to get more involved. A great starting point is further education. In September 2019, Salt + Light Media hosted a panel conversation entitled Unbound: A Conversation Against Human Trafficking in which Sr. Nancy Brown, Gwendoline Allison, and Laura Lam spoke about the impact prostitution laws can have on human trafficking. You can watch it now on our website by clicking the link. Another opportunity for education would be through an organization that is involved in both prayer and concrete action. Talitha Kum is a worldwide network run by the International Union of Superiors General. It coordinates the anti-trafficking measures taken by religious sisters across the globe. This year, they are leading a 7-hour online marathon of prayer against human trafficking. This event, taking place in five different languages, can be streamed online. This day is a great first step to get informed and, if you choose, to get involved. On this day, I also recommend you take some time to pray for the intercession of St. Josephine Bakhita: Prayer to St. Josephine Bakhita
In June, 2024, the domed roof and interior of St. Anne's Anglican Church in Toronto tragically burned down. However, the parish community continues to stand strong and serve its neighbourhood.
Pope Francis invites us to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, that the ecclesial community might welcome the desires and doubts of those young people who feel a call to serve Christ’s mission in the priesthood and religious life.
Pope Francis invites us to pray for the right to an education for migrants, refugees and those affected by war; that their right to an education, which is necessary to build a better world, may always be respected.
I had the wonderful opportunity to meet with the CND sisters and enjoy a special lunch of soup, pizza, salad, and dessert. While I was there, I thought it would be a great opportunity to ask the sisters about what they were looking forward to this Christmas.
In this month of December, Pope Francis asks us to pray for pilgrims of hope: We pray that this Jubilee Year strengthens our faith, helping us to recognize the Risen Christ in our daily lives, and that it may transform us into pilgrims of Christian hope.