The Canossian Sisters, along with Eli’s parents, have enjoyed and would like to share this video of Eli who will start the Regional Novitiate program shortly in Posadas, Argentina, along with two other Pre-Novices from Brazil and Paraguay. We keep them in prayer as they continue their journey. God bless.

Photo: Eli (left) and Sr. Hilda (right). Sister Hilda made Eli's video! 

Click on link to view video: http://hretiz0705.wixsite.com/misitio

             
                    International Day of Prayer and Awareness                       Against Human Trafficking

is also held on 8 February each year in light of the example of St Josephine Bakhita, so that we might reflect on the circumstances of violence and injustice affecting millions of voiceless people.  We can do this by stopping for a few moments and saying a prayer to God.  We can also learn more about modern forms of slavery and trafficking and reflect on how our choices might be contributing to a system perpetuating this exploitation.  We can join together, pray and start conversations about this important issue.

FACTS

●    Calculated as a 150-billion-dollar industry, trafficking in persons has become the fastest growing source of illicit profit for criminals worldwide.

●    There are an estimated 40.3 million victims of modern-day slavery worldwide.
 Of these, 25 million are victims of labor or sex trafficking and 15 million are people
trapped in forced marriages. Nearly 30% of all victims are men and boys, and an
astounding 1 in 4 victims are children.

●    Trafficking cases are increasing under COVID-19, as traffickers prey upon people experiencing heightened vulnerabilities linked to pandemic-related lock downs,
stay at home orders, and job loss.

●    Two decades have passed since the United States adopted landmark legislation to
combat trafficking. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000, and its
several reauthorizations, defines what constitutes trafficking in the U.S., establishes
trafficking as a federal crime, and offers protection for victims and survivors.
Last year, the U.S. State Department launched a publication to celebrate 20 years of
progress to combat human trafficking.

●    Every year, the State Department issues the Trafficking in Persons Report, a diplomatic
tool used to hold accountable government efforts around the world to address human trafficking. The latest edition underscores the important role of faith-based
organizations in eradicating trafficking.

St. Josephin 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 encouter with Christ and his Church.

O St. Bakhita, assist all those 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.
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Pope Francis calls for Global Compact on Education
 

Educating young people to the fraternity, to learn to overcome divisions and conflicts, promote hospitality, justice and peace:   Pope Francis invites everyone who cares about the education of the young generation to sign a Global Pact, to create a global change of mentality through education.

                         View the Pope's video below.