February 8,2025, was the eleventh International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking. At Providence Centre at Edmonton canada, the community off Filles de Jésus gathered to pray for all trafficked victims.

Our black mother

“This day of prayer takes place on the feast of Saint Josaphine Bakhita, a Sudanese slave, kidnapped when she was only nine years old. After being sold a number of times, she finally found freedom when she was sold to an Italian consul, who treated her with kindness and warmth. She received Baptism and later joined the Canossian Daughters of Charity who had been very good to her, living 50 years as a religious.  Her forgiving heart, her gentleness and compassion, especially to the poor, earned her the name “Our Black Mother””. Cf. “Living with Christ” February, page 163

Community prayer

Here, where I live, at Providence Centre, our inter-congregation community gathered on February 9^th to pray together the special prayer composed for the occasion. As we entered the room, each person was given a footprint representing a step taken by countless survivors and by those who accompanied them with love and determination.

A listening heart   

The payer began by listening to stories of survival from six women, from each of the world’s continents, “each a sacred journey, marked by the desire for life, determination, resilience and hope; by compassionate accompaniment and intelligent advocacy.”* After each story, a prayer was said and a candle was lit and placed around a statue of Mary, on a table, in the centre of the room. 

A commitment

We were then asked to make a commitment – a step forward in solidarity with the victims of trafficking, by placing our footprints on the floor around the table, forming pathways of justice, dignity, and hope. The celebration continued with hymns, prayers, a time of reflection, “The Jubilee Prayer”.

A final blessing

“May we walk as Pilgrims of Hope, carrying light into dark places, bringing freedom to the oppressed and embodying justice for those in need.  In this Jubilee journey, may each step we take testify to the worth, dignity and beauty of all creation.  May God’s peace guide us, and may we be strengthened to continue on this pilgrimage, united in purpose and faith. Amen”  XI International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking Vigil.

I was touched deeply by this time of prayer. 

When I returned to my room, I placed my footprint on the wall, facing the chair from which I pray, as a reminder to pray more often for the abolition of human trafficking, our modern form of slavery.

Gisèle Labonté, fj

Edmonton, Canada