January 11th was Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Human trafficking is a humanitarian crisis that is a form of modern-day slavery. Not only is human trafficking prevalent around the world, but cases of human trafficking are reported in all 50 states as well.

Human trafficking victims are trafficked for a variety of purposes, such as commercial sex, agricultural work, or other forms of labor. The face of human trafficking can be rich, poor, men, women, adults, children, foreign nationals or U.S. citizens. They are all vulnerable in some way, but all victims share the loss of a most cherished human right — freedom.

Please pray for all those who are victims of human trafficking
using the prayer below. St. Josephine Bakhita is the patron saint
of victims of human trafficking.

St. Josephine Bakhita, you were sold into slavery as a child and endured untold hardship and suffering. Once liberated from your physical enslavement, you found true redemption in your encounter with Christ and his Church. Oh St. Bakhita, assist all those who are trapped in a state of slavery. Intercede with God on their behalf so that they will be released from their chains of captivity. Those whom man enslaves, let God set free. Provide comfort to survivors of slavery and let them look to you as an example of hope and faith. Help all survivors find healing from their wounds. We ask for your prayers and intercessions for those enslaved among us.                                                                         Amen.