BELMONT — Sacred Heart Convent in Belmont was the site of a prayer service and educational event on the feast of St. Josephine Bakhita, Feb. 8. St. Josephine Bakhita is the patron saint of victims of human trafficking, and the Church has designated Feb. 8 as an International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking.
Parishioners from seven Charlotte region parishes joined members of the Sisters of Mercy South Central Community in prayer, education and a fair trade sale of crafts, jewelry and clothing made by victims of human trafficking.
Sponsored jointly by the Sisters of Mercy and Catholic Charities, with assistance by members of Catholic Charities Human Trafficking Task Force, “we see events like this as an opportunity to raise awareness on this critical issue,” said Jessica Grabowski, Catholic Charities’ Respect Life program director and chair of the task force.
“Both prayer and education in combating human trafficking are key tools that can truly make a difference in ending this violent crime.”
Attendees gathered information about anti-human trafficking efforts of non-profits like Ursus Institute, Catholic Relief Services and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Deacon Chip Wilson of Queen of the Apostles Church in Belmont led the evening prayer service, reading from the fifth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew which calls upon the faithful to be salt of the earth and the light of the world.
He then spoke of how we must “turn a light” on human trafficking, so that we might more readily see the victims of this evil who are sometimes hidden in plain sight.
— Joseph Purello