On February 8th, the feast of St. Josephine Bakhita, the Patron Saint of victims of human trafficking, We remember and invite everyone to pray together for the over 50 million victims of human trafficking and exploitation around the world.
Who was St. Josephine Bakhita?
She was born in southern Sudan, kidnapped at the age of 7, and sold into slavery. For many years, Josephine Bakhita was a slave but her spirit was always free and eventually, that spirit prevailed. She is the patron saint for victims of Human Trafficking.
Prayer for St. Josephine Bakhita
You were kidnapped and enslaved from the time you were a little girl of just 7 years old. Intercede for the children who, like you, suffer the pain of slavery. Free them from this terrible suffering and allow them to reunite with their families.
You were enslaved in the service of many influential people, and you had no rights. Intercede for the victims of human trafficking and labour exploitation so that their captors free them and that human trafficking and exploitation be eliminated from the face of the Earth.
You were traded and sold to many masters in your life, you suffered torture, you were tattooed all over your body, your skin was cut dozens of times, and your wounds were sprinkled with salt. You were on the verge of death so many times. Intercede for the victims of torture so that they may be freed and heal their bodies and souls in the love of the Almighty. Please stop this brutal practice.
You had a life filled with pain, suffering and slavery, but you chose to have an open and joyful heart and to follow the truth of Jesus Christ. Help us to be sensitive to the suffering and pain of others, to understand that slavery is an evil that continues to plague humanity and that it requires our commitment as faithful followers of God's love and Christ's example to work for justice in the world, to end human trafficking and exploitation and to support survivors of such terrible evils. Amen!
“Exploitation and subjugation limit freedom and turn people into objects to use and discard. And the system of trafficking profits from the injustice and wickedness that oblige millions of people to live in conditions of vulnerability.”
Pope Francis