9 Days for Life Novena - Day 3
Intercession: For victims and survivors of human trafficking.
Prayers: Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be
Reflection: Pope Francis calls for a renewed commitment to end human trafficking, which he aptly describes as "deplorable…cruel…criminal" (Angelus, 7/30/2017). International Labor Organization's 2014 estimate placed the number of traffic victims — men, women, and children — at 21 million worldwide.
Those who are vulnerable are most at risk for being lured into situations where they are trafficked, particularly migrants and refugees. They face significant barriers such as language and adapting to a new culture, lack of support systems, and the burden of poverty. Easily tempted by false promises of traffickers, they often find themselves in forced labor situations with no means of escape.
When we meet others in our daily lives who have come from other lands, are we extending them the simple warmth of a smile and a welcome? Are we in tune to the red flags that might indicate trafficking in our own communities? Learn more about how you can fight trafficking under "One Step Further."
Acts of Reparation (choose one):
- Contact a local service provider who assists victims and survivors of human trafficking to learn more about human trafficking in your community and how you can support their efforts. (If you don't know who the local service provider is, ask your local Catholic Charities office.)
- Spend some time reflecting upon the Catechism of the Catholic Church
no. 2414.
- Use the USCCB Migration and Refugee Service's National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month & Day of Prayer Toolkit www.usccb.org/about/anti-trafficking-program/upload/Anti-Trafficking-Toolkit-Final-2018-2.pdf to raise awareness about and encourage prayer and action to fight human trafficking.
One Step Further: Would you know how to identify a potential trafficking situation? Learn more about human trafficking and the red flags through the USCCB's Anti-Trafficking Program at www.usccb.org/about/anti-trafficking-program/index.cfm
Almost half of the reported victims of human trafficking in the U.S. in 2016 were foreign nationals. Consider bringing the Amistad Movement to your parish to help raise awareness about human trafficking among immigrant populations. www.usccb.org/about/anti-trafficking-program/amistad.cfm
If you suspect someone is a victim of human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline (888-3737-888) for immediate assistance. They can communicate in over 200 languages and provide immediate information, assistance, and local referrals for potential human trafficking situations.
Excerpt from Pope Francis, "Angelus" © 2017, Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Vatican City. Used with permission. Copyright © 2018, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved .
