In 2015, Pope Francis designated 8 February, the feast of St Josephine Bahkita, as the International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking.
Bahkita, who is also the patron saint of Sudan, her homeland, was kidnapped and sold into slavery at a very young age – a victim of human trafficking. Eventuaslly freed, she became a Canossian nun and was declared a Saint in 2000.
Sisters of Mercy globally have a long history of caring and supporting persons who are exploited, enslaved or incarcerated.
“Ambassadors of Hope: Together Against Human Trafficking” is the theme chosen for the 11th International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking.
In his message for this day pronounced to a delegation of Talitha Kum, a Catholic network of religious sisters dedicated to combatting human trafficking, Pope Francis defended human rights of victims and called once again for the elimination of human trafficking. “We must not tolerate the shameful exploitation of so many of our sisters and brothers”, he said. “Trafficking in human bodies, the sexual exploitation even of small children and forced labour are a disgrace and a very serious violation of fundamental human rights.”
En 2015, el Papa Francisco designó el 8 de febrero, festividad de Santa Josefina Bahkita, Día Internacional de Oración y Sensibilización contra la Trata de Seres Humanos.
Bahkita, que también es patrona de Sudán, su país natal, fue secuestrada y vendida como esclava muy joven, víctima de la trata de seres humanos. Tras ser liberada, se hizo monja canosiana y fue declarada santa en 2000.
Las Hermanas de la Misericordia de todo el mundo tienen una larga historia de atención y apoyo a las personas explotadas, esclavizadas o encarceladas.
«Embajadores de esperanza: juntos contra la trata de seres humanos» es el tema elegido para el 11º Día Internacional de Oración y Sensibilización contra la Trata de Seres Humanos.
En su mensaje para esta jornada pronunciado ante una delegación de Talitha Kum, una red católica de religiosas dedicada a combatir la trata de seres humanos, el Papa Francisco defendió los derechos humanos de las víctimas y pidió una vez más la eliminación de la trata de seres humanos. «No debemos tolerar la vergonzosa explotación de tantos de nuestros hermanos y hermanas», dijo. «El tráfico de cuerpos humanos, la explotación sexual incluso de niños pequeños y los trabajos forzados son una vergüenza y una gravísima violación de los derechos humanos fundamentales.»
Behind every diagnosis lies a unique human story – stories of grief, pain, healing, resilience, love and more. That’s why a people-centred approach to cancer care that fully integrates each individual’s unique needs, with compassion and empathy, leads to the best health outcomes.
We are thankful for the work that has been done to secure 
As we begin a new year, we do so with hope in our hearts – hope in God, hope for one another, hope for our torn and suffering world, hope for the universe which is evolving according to God’s plan. Let us listen to the words of Pope Francis, words to inspire, comfort and challenge us to be bearers of hope as we go forward into a year of promise … 
On this feast of St. Francis of Assisi, let us pray his prayer of peace for all affected by the violence, displacement and death of people and destruction of land and property as a result of the wars throughout the region.