The Church celebrates the life of Saint Josephine Bakhita on February 8. Saint Josephine was kidnapped as a child and sold into slavery in Sudan and Italy. She has become known as the patron saint of human trafficking victims. On the World Day of Prayer Against Human Trafficking, Catholics are encouraged to host or attend prayer services to build worldwide awareness about human trafficking and to comfort and support its victims.
The inspiring anthem “We Sing for Freedom” focuses on the issues of human trafficking and modern-day slavery. Based on Galatians 5:1—“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free”—it is one of the ten faith-filled songs on John Burland’s latest CD, All Are Welcome Here. Burland was inspired by Saint Josephine’s strong faith that carried her through her own enslavement.
Bayard, the parent company of the Pflaum Gospel Weeklies, stands resolutely against modern-day slavery. As part of its commitment, Bayard has produced a video in conjunction with Catholic Relief Services. CRS works to eradicate sex-trafficking through 145 programs around the world. Bayard will donate 10 percent of the proceeds All Are Welcome Here to support the mission of CRS to end trafficking and slavery. The CD is available for purchase at BayardFaithResources.com and pflaum.com. The four-minute video is appropriate for older students and provides a good base for class discussion.
Share the story of Saint Josephine Bakhita with families and older students, and pray together for the victims of human trafficking.
Image credit: CPP/CIRIC
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