Human Trafficking

A Message from the Editor

Most of us have remained silent over the horror of human trafficking which diminishes the value of all human life. We hope that more communities of faith will speak out on this tragedy and that our readers will support organizations that address this challenge.

Prayers

Prayer to End Human Trafficking

Lord Jesus you taught us the value of human life, the dignity of every person,

You said, like Isaiah, you came to bring good news to the poor,

To set captives free,

To lift up the oppressed,

To give sight to the blind,

May we not be blind but inspired by your words and action,

to support the children, and free all the captured slaves,

the victims of the people traders, bought and sold as objects by the

human traffickers, may we set them free and end the scourge of human trafficking in your name.

Lord Jesus May your spirit be upon us.

Amen by Father Shay Cullen Profiles in Catholicism

Prayer for Murdered Pastoral Workers

Good and gracious God,

The Vatican’s News Agency notes that in 2020, many pastoral workers were killed during robbery or theft, sometimes with ferocity. Some of them were kidnapped or were caught in crossfires or acts of violence. They fell while carrying out their commitment in situations marked by economic and cultural poverty, moral and environmental degradation, where violence and oppression in total disregard for respect for life and every human right are a norm. They are heroes and martyrs, O Lord, who gave all for You and the people you put in their care.

In El Salvador, Father Ricardo Antonio Cortéz was killed by gunshots on the road on 7 August. Thank you, Lord, for Ricardo Cortez.

In Brazil, Father Adriano da Silva Barros was kidnapped and his dead body was found on 14 October. Thank you Lord for Father Adriano Barros.

In Burkina Faso, a catechist was killed along with a group on 16 February, during an assault by jihadists on the village of Pansi. Lord help us to realize that we are all your children.

In Gabon, Sister Lydie Oyanem Nzoughe was attacked and killed in March, in a home for abandoned elderly in Libreville where she was working. Thank you Lord for Sister Lydie who attended to those most in need.

In Indonesia, the dead body of seminarian Zhage Sil was found in a ditch in Jayapura on 24 December. We thank you Lord for this seminarian and for all seminarians.

In Italy, Father Roberto Malgesini was murdered by a homeless man with psychic problems in Como on 15 September. The priest was working among the poor. Thank you, Lord, for the generosity of Father Roberto who gave his life for the economically poor.

The Vatican News Agency notes that none of them was engaged in outstanding projects and we thank you, Lord, for the simplicity of their lives and their humility. They simply shared in their small way the life of most of the people entrusted to their care, bearing witness to Christian hope.

Lord, during this time of stress from the Covid we also see that hundreds of priests, religious, hospital chaplains, pastoral workers in the healthcare sector as well as bishops have died during the pandemic, carrying out their service. They fell doing their utmost to help those afflicted by the virus in places of care, without cutting down on their ministry. We thank you, Lord for this great ministry.

Your faithful workers and ministers are reporting that priests and religious are the second largest group, after doctors, who fell to Covid-19 in Europe. According to a partial report by the Council of Bishops' Conferences of Europe, from February end to September end, at least 400 priests have died in the continent. Many of them were missionaries, who worn out by long years in mission lands amidst hardships and difficulties, have succumbed to the virus. (Source: Fides)

We are grateful for the generosity of all these men and women and we ask you to keep them in a strong embrace. Give them comfort and rest in their heavenly home. We ask you this through Jesus Christ your Son, Our Lord, who lives and reigns in the Unity of the Holy Spirit. Amen. by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism

A Prayer for Brian Sicknick

God of mercy,

we commend into your loving hands

Brian Sicknick

who served and protected your people

and who died fulfilling his responsibilities in the Capitol.

We thank you for the countless men and women

who serve and protect us each day,

often risking their own lives for our safety.

Watch over all of them, and

keep us always mindful of them and grateful for their service. Amen by Father Louis Cameli Profiles in Catholicism

A Prayer for the Victims of the Indonesian Plane Crash

Dear Lord, please welcome the victims of the Indonesian lane crash into your eternal loving embrace and comfort their families and friends. by Gordon Nary Profiles in Catholicism

A prayer for all healthcare workers with Covid-19

“To kiss the leper”