Thursday, January 7, 2016
Reflection and Prayer: Human Trafficking
Here's a great addition to yesterday's suggestions for simple actions in the effort to stop human trafficking: The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Orange have produced a prayer calendar that runs from January 11 (National Human Trafficking Awareness Day) until February 8 (International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking). Access the calendar here to find a prayer intention for each day and information about human trafficking.
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Stop Trafficking Newsletter
Click here to access the January 2016 issue of the Stop Trafficking newsletter. This issue focuses on partnerships among organizations that work to end human trafficking.
You may also recall that this month is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month and that January 11 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day (designated by the U.S. Senate in 2007). Resources for these observances were in the December 2015 issue of the Stop Trafficking Newsletter and are available here.
The website of US Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking -- available here -- might be helpful to you, also.
With everything that's available to us, we should be able to find at least one way to mark January 11. However, if you miss that commemoration for some reason (and even if you do not miss it), remember that the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking (declared by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and the International Union of Superiors General) is on February 8 (Feast of St. Josephine Bakhita).
If you are more of a "summer commemorator," the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (declared by the United Nations) is observed on July 30.
January 11, February 8, July 30 . . . that's pretty much for us to remember! Rather than getting caught up in the dates, could we resolve to do one simple thing to increase our awareness, advocacy and action? Remember that Catholic Sisters have led and continue to lead the efforts to stop human trafficking. Our efforts will continue to bear fruit by the grace of God and the prayers and actions -- no matter how large or small -- of all of us.
You may also recall that this month is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month and that January 11 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day (designated by the U.S. Senate in 2007). Resources for these observances were in the December 2015 issue of the Stop Trafficking Newsletter and are available here.
The website of US Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking -- available here -- might be helpful to you, also.
With everything that's available to us, we should be able to find at least one way to mark January 11. However, if you miss that commemoration for some reason (and even if you do not miss it), remember that the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking (declared by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and the International Union of Superiors General) is on February 8 (Feast of St. Josephine Bakhita).
If you are more of a "summer commemorator," the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (declared by the United Nations) is observed on July 30.
January 11, February 8, July 30 . . . that's pretty much for us to remember! Rather than getting caught up in the dates, could we resolve to do one simple thing to increase our awareness, advocacy and action? Remember that Catholic Sisters have led and continue to lead the efforts to stop human trafficking. Our efforts will continue to bear fruit by the grace of God and the prayers and actions -- no matter how large or small -- of all of us.
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Overcome Indifference and Win Peace
The theme for this year's World Day of Peace (January 1) is "Overcome Indifference and Win Peace." Click here to access the message from Pope Francis to commemorate this day and here to access the summary of the message -- with suggestions for actions -- available from the USCCB. In his message, Pope Francis calls us, in the spirit of the Jubilee of Mercy, to "realize how indifference can manifest itself in our lives and to work concretely to improve the world around us, beginning with our families, neighbors and places of employment."
He concludes, "I would like to make a threefold appeal to the leaders of nations: to refrain from drawing other peoples into conflicts or wars which destroy not only their material, cultural and social legacy, but also – and in the long term – their moral and spiritual integrity; to forgive or manage in a sustainable way the international debt of the poorer nations; and to adopt policies of cooperation which, instead of bowing before the dictatorship of certain ideologies, will respect the values of local populations and, in any case, not prove detrimental to the fundamental and inalienable right to life of the unborn."
He concludes, "I would like to make a threefold appeal to the leaders of nations: to refrain from drawing other peoples into conflicts or wars which destroy not only their material, cultural and social legacy, but also – and in the long term – their moral and spiritual integrity; to forgive or manage in a sustainable way the international debt of the poorer nations; and to adopt policies of cooperation which, instead of bowing before the dictatorship of certain ideologies, will respect the values of local populations and, in any case, not prove detrimental to the fundamental and inalienable right to life of the unborn."
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Join Us in Prayer
On the 11th of each month, the Sisters of Christian Charity pray and fast for peace in our world. Click here to go to the SCC Western Region's website to find prayers for today.
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
December Issue of Stop Trafficking
In anticipation of January's National Anti-Trafficking month, the December issue of Stop Trafficking, available here, gives basic information about human trafficking that can be used to educate others. Even if the issue of human trafficking is very familiar to you, the December issue is a good review.
Monday, December 7, 2015
Our Merciful Hearts
The word for mercy in Latin is misericordia -- suggesting that one has his or her heart (cor) with those who are poor or who suffer (miseri). Perhaps we should begin the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy with a "heart checkup." Fortunately, this type of checkup does not involve going to a medical provider.
In the words of Pauline von Mallinckrodt, founder of the Sisters of Christian Charity, "We should have neither eyes to see the faults of others, nor ears to listen to evil reports about them, nor tongue to accuse them, nor reason to judge them, nor will to condemn them, nor memory to recall evil of them, but a merciful heart to compassionate all, a charitable tongue to excuse all, a meek and patient disposition to bear with all" (from the SCC Constitutions).
As you enter into this Year of Mercy, how's your heart?
In the words of Pauline von Mallinckrodt, founder of the Sisters of Christian Charity, "We should have neither eyes to see the faults of others, nor ears to listen to evil reports about them, nor tongue to accuse them, nor reason to judge them, nor will to condemn them, nor memory to recall evil of them, but a merciful heart to compassionate all, a charitable tongue to excuse all, a meek and patient disposition to bear with all" (from the SCC Constitutions).
As you enter into this Year of Mercy, how's your heart?
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Hunger Hits Home
As we travel through Advent and prepare for our Christmas and other holiday celebrations, could we take a moment (or 40 minutes) to consider childhood hunger in the United States? This 2012 video from the Food Network, "Hunger Hits Home," might motivate us to consider actions toward ending hunger -- especially childhood hunger -- in this country. It is worth your time to watch.
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