WORLD DAY OF PRAYER AND REFLECTION AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING
On February 8, 2023, the World Day of Prayer and Reflection against Human Trafficking, some sisters from the province of France, organized a special Mass in memory of St. Bakhita to pray with our brothers and sisters who suffer because of violence, slavery, and exploitation.
In the afternoon, we also organized a meeting with the sisters, Associates, young people with their parents, and staff from the Clos St. Joseph nursing home, to discuss the issue of human trafficking. About fifty people of all generations participated in this meeting.
It was really a wake-up call for everyone. We had a very enriching sharing. Keeping in the reality and fragility of the province, we could not go further to raise awareness against human trafficking, but in our local areas, we involved some sisters and Associates in discussions, workshops, or forums, aiming to promote initiatives to combat and confront human trafficking and respond to the call of the Congregation.
BROTHERHOOD/ SISTERHOOD AND SHARING
At the end of the meeting, a retired mother told us: "I was an accountant and now, thanks to you, and your awareness day, I have decided to get involved and train myself so that I can work to combat this violence that exists in our own country. There is no need to look elsewhere.”
At the same time, to mark the day, a small group of sisters went to visit isolated people, invite a deaf and dumb person to have a meal with the community, and offer vegetable soup to 12 people who meet every week to find meaning in life, discover the Christian faith and journey on the path of dignity.
Before the deaf lady arrived, the sisters searched the internet to learn a little bit of sign language so that she may feel at home with us during the meal.
Our day ended with this beautiful song:
We are people of fraternity and sharing
Take the Gospel and the peace of God.
Tenderness will bloom on our borders,
Hope dwells on the earth:
The land where God's salvation will germinate!
Tenderness will bloom on our borders,
Our God gives himself to his people.
Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambéry - France/Belgium
Merci mes soeurs !!!! Tres riche rencontre !