On the feast day of St Josephine Bakhita (8 February), the patron saint of victims of modern slavery and human trafficking, is the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking.

This day was designated by Pope Francis in 2015 “following a request from Talitha Kum, the worldwide Network of Consecrated Life Against Human Trafficking.” (ACRATH) You can learn more about Talitha Kum (which includes 762 religious congregations in 97 countries) here.

For 2024, the theme is Journeying in Dignity – Listen, Dream, Act and “was chosen by an international group of young people. It is a Call to Action – becoming more aware of the existence of human trafficking and reflecting on its horror we are urged to take action to prevent this horrific crime.” (ACRATH)

ACRATH (Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans) shares more information about this day and St Josephine Bakhita here.

Additionally, please find below a prayer resource and information for the Global Online Prayer Pilgrimage:

Join in prayer – below is the prayer for this day which you can adapt to meet local need.

Vigil of Prayer – 8 February 2024 (PDF)

Join the Global Online Prayer Pilgrimage – Eastern Australia Summertime can join at 7:30am for the start with the Oceania Region (Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and Pacific Islands) leading the first segment of prayer at 7:45am.