Human Trafficking
- Profiles in Catholicism
- Jan 12, 2021
- 14 min read
Updated: Jan 16, 2021

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”
Lord, we live in a fallen world raised up in you!
St. Francis is remembered for kissing a leper and
Any number of other saints have done remarkable deeds
Out of a love that risked all in order to help all –
Inspire us, today, to take the path of going out to others.
Lord let us know you love us – St. Francis help us!
Lord, we live in a fallen world raised up in you!
There are many, countless people, whose outstretched hands
Are helping innumerable others to bear their illness: secretary to
Surgeon, porter to manager, nurse and doctor, seen or unseen –
Of no religion or Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist, Jew or Christian.
Lord let us know you love us – St. Francis help us!
Lord, we live in a fallen world raised up in you!
Those that have taken the risk to help have often gone without
The company of their spouse, of their family and of their friends
Living a different rhythm of time and place to protect others –
Unite the human family in the care of all, especially the vulnerable.
Lord let us know you love us – St. Francis help us!
Lord, we live in a fallen world raised up in you!
We cannot but ask, indeed beg, that those who have fallen ill
While helping others, and who are sharing in your passion,
The passion of love that goes beyond an indifferent distance –
Will share in the gift of being touched by the resurrection.
Lord let us know you love us – St. Francis help us!
Lord, we live in a fallen world raised up in you!
Come to those who have fallen ill, whose lives are dwindling
Through giving life to others, those who have grown tired and sore,
Worn out in the day in and day out of daily care – those on the edge Of eternity and those who have passed on to help from heaven.
Lord let us know you love us – St. Francis help us!
Lord, we live in a fallen world raised up in you!
You know who is ready to meet you, who needs more time,
Who is willing to wait, who is surrounded by others ready
To let your will be done and your mystery of love be finished –
Let your mercy abound and renew and enrich us.
Lord let us know you love us – St. Francis help us!
by Francis Etheredge Profiles in Catholicism
A Quote to Remember
“A sense of deep communion with the rest of nature cannot be real if our hearts lack tenderness, compassion and concern for our fellow human beings. It is clearly inconsistent to combat trafficking in endangered species while remaining completely indifferent to human trafficking, unconcerned about the poor, or undertaking to destroy another human being deemed unwanted.”
by Pope Francis
Interviews
Human Trafficking Articles/Commentaries
Human trafficking added to Cambodian school curriculum. US threatens sanctions if Cambodia fails to meet standards for the elimination of trafficking by Phnom Penh UCA News
The Scourge and Pain of Human Trafficking by Father Shay Cullen Profiles in Catholicism
Human Trafficking is a Global Challenge by Father Shay Cullen Profiles in Catholicism
Just Judges Implement the Law for Abused Children by Father Shay Cullen Profiles in Catholicism
Adivasi Women to Prevent Human Trafficking in N-E India by Team ICM Indian Catholic Matters
Holy See calls for joint efforts to combat trafficking in persons by Vatican News staff writer Vatican News
Nuns praised for anti-trafficking work during COVID-19 by Elise Ann Allen Crux
US Embassy to Vatican Highlights Risk of ‘Human Trafficking Crisis’ Amid Pandemic by Courtney Mares CNA/National Catholic Register
Sisters Program South welcomes women on the streets of Milwaukee by Celia Struck Global Sisters Report
Catholic altar girl in hiding in Pakistan after escaping abductor ,Maira Shahbaz was raped, blackmailed and forced into sex work after being made to convert to Islam by Kamran Chaudhry UCA News
Report: 400,000 people are in modern slavery in U.S. by Stef W. Kight Axios
Baptist Pastor Charged with Child Sex Abuse and Human Trafficking by SNAP Network
Lied to and abused, trafficked persons from Zimbabwe find some healing by Doreen Ajiambo Global Sisters Report
Led by women, Latin America rallies against modern-day slavery by Inés San Martín Crux
How the Nuns of Talitha Kum and NYC Artist ESPO Are Teaming Up to Fight Against Human Trafficking by Currents News
After challenging California officials, Catholic home for trafficked girls set to open by CNA/Catholic World Report
Caritas warns of rise in human trafficking amid pandemic by Catholic Charities USA
Bishops Call for Prayers for Victims on World Day Against Human Trafficking by Catholic News Agency/National Catholic Register
Covid-19 is causing increase in human trafficking by Independent Catholic News
Cardinal Czerny: It’s taken 10 years to talk openly about human trafficking by Sr Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp Vatican News
Caritas Warn of Rise in Human Trafficking Amid Pandemic by Junno Arocho Esteves The Tablet
Catholic sisters lead the way in the anti-trafficking movement by Sabrina Wong Global Sisters Report
General Articles/Commentaries
Remembering Father David Brown, O.S.M, Father Dave died on January 2, 2021. He was a close friend and a frequent contributor to Profiles in Catholicism. Here is my Interview with Father David O. Brown, O.S.M. by Gordon Nary Profiles in Catholicism
Remembering Father David Brown, O.S.M. by Dan Brown Profiles in Catholicism
Pope prays for dead at US capitol, tells leaders to take responsibility by Elise Ann Allen Crux
G-d bless the Capitol Police’: Far-right protesters storm U.S. Capitol amid antisemitic claims over election by Arno Rosenfeld, Jordan Kutzik and Molly Boigon The Froward Link to Antisemitism Police Protection and Challenges, and to Insurrection/Sedition
Members of Several Well-Known Hate Groups Identified at Capitol Riot by A.C. Thompson and Ford Fischer ProPublica
Republican Congressman Legitimizes Violence as Response to Election Dispute by Lee Fang The Intercept Link to Immoral Political Practices
The Silence of the Sheep by Gordon Nary Profiles in Catholicism Link to United States Politics
Analysis: A GOP reckoning after turning blind eye to Trump by Julie Pacwe The Associated Press
The Next Pope by Betty Clermont Open Tabernacle
As COVID-19 Vaccinations Begin, Ethical Issues Remain in Play by Judy Roberts National Catholic Register Link to Covid-19 and to Ethics and Ethical Challenges in Healthcare
US Capitol protesters, egged on by Trump, are part of a long history of white supremacists hearing politicians’ words as encouragement by Shannon M. Smith The Conversation Link to White Supremacy
Watergate prosecutor: Trump’s attempt to overthrow the election is criminal—and should be investigated by Kevin Clarke America
Man charged with murder of nine-month-old boy by 9News Staff 9News Link to Murdered Children
The Pharmacologic Treatment of Schizophrenia—2021 by Donald C. Goff, JAMA. Published online December 28, 2020. Link to Mental Health/Illness
Reflections on Pope Francis’ 2021 World Day of Peace Message by Tony Magliano Indian Catholic Matters
Indonesia: Catholic seminarian killed in Papua province by Independent Catholic News Link to Murdered Priests and Seminarians
Twenty “missionaries” killed in the world in 2020. The Vatican’s news agency has drawn up a list of pastoral workers or what it describes as “missionaries”, who were killed in the world during 2020. by Vatican News staff writer Vatican News
Murder of Filipina flight attendant draws church condemnation Suspected New Year gang rape, murder spark outrage in Philippines by Joseph Peter Calleja UCA News
Only a firing squad could silence a true Filipino patriot Jose Rizal's martyrdom leaves an indelible .imprint that will always serve as a beacon of hope for his compatriots by Mary Aileen D. Bacalso UCA News Link to Murder and to Political Crimes
Hundreds of migrants freezing in heavy snow in Bosnia camp by The Associated Press Link to Migrants, Refugees, and Immigrants Challenges
Caritas, Red Cross offer safe shelter for Rome homeless amid pandemic by Carol Glatz Catholic News Service/Crux Link to Homeless
Sacred music album recorded on eve of coronavirus lockdown storms Christmas charts by CNA/The Catholic World Report Link to Spirituality and Music
Woman’s Cancer Journey Inspires Trust, Prepares for Eternity by Bill Miller The Tablet Link to Cancer
Croatia hit by 6.4 magnitude earthquake, leaving at least 7 dead by Jan Bantic, Arnaud Siad and Nada Bashir CNN
Chinese Church condemns rumors of Catholics causing pandemic spread by UCA News reporter UCA News
N.Korea threatens to build more nukes, cites US hostility by Hyung-Jin Kim The Associated Press Link to Nuclear Challenges
‘Our children die in our hands’: Floods ravage South Sudan by Maura AJA The Associated Press Link to Children at Risk
Hope and healing at the Church’s heart: a new approach to helping abuse survivors by Peter Beer and Hans Zollner The Tablet Link to Catholic Sexual Violence Against Minors
Sheriff: 4 dead in Houston domestic violence shooting by The Associated Press Link to Domestic Violence
Twitter bans Trump, citing risk of violent incitement by Tali Aebel The Associated Press Link to Social Media
Vandals damage federal buildings in Philadelphia; 7 arrested by The Associated Press
China sentences 10 seeking to flee Hong Kong to prison terms by Zen Soo The Associated Press Link to China Challenges
Relics of St. Maximilian Kolbe installed in chapel of Polish parliament by CNA Daily News/The Catholic World Report
Former Jerusalem archbishop: How long will Catholics keep ignoring the suffering of Palestinians? by Michel Sabbah America
Bill legalizing abortion passed in pope’s native Argentina by Almudena Calatrava and Debora Rey The Associated Press Link to Abortion
Top German Catholic bishop urges shift on women’s ordination, homosexuality by Jack Jenkins Religion News Service
Sexual violence being used as weapon of war in eastern Congo by Crux Staff Crux Link to Sexual Violence Against Women and Girls
Dozens of people killed or injured in attack on Aden airport .At least 22 people have been killed in an attack at the airport in the southern Yemeni city of Aden. by Nathan Morley Vatican News Link to Terrorism
St. Ignatius helped me get sober as a Protestant—and stay sober in 2020 as a Catholic by Seth Haines America Link to Addiction
Some Mexicans struggle to get oxygen amid virus case surge by Diego Delgads The Associated Press
Poland: Church cancels lease of liberal Catholic magazine by The Associated Press Link to Media
What can we do about antisemitism and the Catholic literary canon? by Rebecca Braten Weiss U.S.Catholic Link to Antisemitism
William Barr, a Catholic, went out of his way to use the death penalty (and defy church teaching) by Mark Silk Religion News Service/America Link to Death Penalty
Ontario finance minister resigns after tropical vacation by Bob Gilles The Associated Press
Trump tapped into white victimhood – leaving fertile ground for white supremacists by Lee Bebout The Conversation Link to White Supremacy
Police officer pays for shoplifting suspects’ holiday dinner by The Associated Press Link to Police Protection and Challenges
Malta archdiocese condemns charismatic group accused of abuse by Elise Ann Allen Crux
How to overcome vaccine distrust among Black Americans by Rashawn Ray The Hill Link to Racial Challenges and Outreach
Fired EWTN host Gloria Purvis: ‘I will never, ever, ever have regrets’ for talking about racial injustice by Mark Pattison Catholic News Service/America
Historic Black church in DC sues Proud Boys for destroying Black Lives Matter sign by Jack Jenkins Religion News Service
Afghan journalist killed by gunmen by Nathan Morley Vatican News Link to Murder
Philippine Church condemns killings of 9 indigenous leaders by Joseph Peter Calleja UCA News
Zimbabwean teen teaches taekwondo to fight child marriage by Farai Mutsaka The Associated Press Link to Youth Challenges/ Outreach/Protection
Study: Warming already baked in will blow past climate goals by Seth Borenstein The Associated Press Link to Environment and Climate Challenges, Advocacy, and Response
Argentine boy saved from stray bullet by crucifix by CNA Daily News/The Catholic World Report
Q & A with Peggy M. Delmas, celebrating the work of Catholic sister scientists by Chris Herlinger Global Sisters Report Link to Faith and Science
Our Lady of Grace Catholic Academy Stops the Spread of Bullying During the Pandemic by Emily Drooby NetTV Link to School Bullying and Hazing
47 People Comment On The Benefits Meditation Has Brought Them by Katie Holmes OutwitTrade.com
The One Missing Fact/ How EWTN misreported the Viganò letter by Paul Moses Commonweal
Catholic Leaders Point to Dangers of Social Media After Capitol Violence by John Lavenburg The Tablet
Report: Hospitals in Ethiopia’s Tigray struck by artillery by Cara Anna The Associated Press
Brazilian archbishop faces accusations of abuse of seminarians by Eduardo Campos Lima Crux
Dominion sues Trump lawyer Sidney Powell for defamation by The Associated Press
Ed Ruscha, the most famous Catholic artist few Catholics know by Menachem Wecker National Catholic Register
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Donation request for mentally retarded children in IndiaWhen Children are Set Free by Father Shay Cullen Preda Foundation
Father Shay Cullen established The Preda Foundation in Olongapo City in 1974 and has being rescuing enslaved children and women from sex slavery and children from jails. He has been nominated four times for the Nobel Peace Prize, and received other human rights awards.
Book Reviews/Commentaries
Ricky and Julie – a story of courage and survival in the Philippines by Father Shay Cullen Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
Slaves Among Us: The Hidden World of Human Trafficking by Monique Villa Reviewed by Rebecca Tinsley Independent Catholic News
Restoring Sanctuary by T. Pitt Green Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
Life in Christ: Knowledge of God Made Visible in Jesus the Man by Mary Jane Miller Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D.
Sacred Space: The Prayer Book by The Irish Jesuits Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
Surprised by God: Teaching Reflection Through the Parables by Christina R. Zaker Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
A Promised Land by Barack Obama Reviewed by Rabbi Ron Kronish The Jerusalem Post
Honest Rust and Gold: A Second Collection of Prose and Poetry by Francis Etheredge Reviewed by Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson Speaker
Scripture: A Unique Word by Francis Etheredge Reviewed by Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson Speaker
A Shimmer of Something: Lean Stories of Spiritual Substance by Brian Doyle Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
Pray Your Way Through Forgivingness: Reflections, Prayers and Actions for Healing by Nicole Sotelo Reviewed by Alexandra Greenwald National Catholic Reporter
The Cult of Trump, A Leading Cult Expert Explains How the President Uses Mind Control by Steven Hassan Overview by Simon & Schuster
A Church in Crisis: Pathways Forward by Ralph Martin Reviewed by Eduardo Echeverria The Catholic Thing
Priests de la Resistance! Loose Canons who fought Fascism in the Twentieth Century by Revd Fergus Butler-Gaille Reviewed by James Campbell SJ Independent Catholic News
For Love of Life and the Family by Richard P. Delaney, M.D., Reviewed by by Russell Shaw The Catholic World Report
Confessions Commentary by James Matthew Wilson The Catholic Thing
Prison Journal: The Cardinal Makes His Appeal by Cardinal George Pell Reviewed by Nicole Winfield Associated Press/Crux
Black Power, Jewish Politics by Marc Dollinger Commentary by Ari Feldman The Forward
Sharing the Wisdom of Time by Pope Francis Commentary by Catholic News Agency
Belonging: One Catholic's Journey by Frank Butler Reviewed by Thomas C. Fox National Catholic Reporter
Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance Commentary by Joan Frawley Desmond National Catholic Register
JFK Volume One 1917-1956 by Fredrik Logevall Reviewed by Rebecca Tinsley Independent Catholic News
Via Negativa by Daniel Hornsby Reviewed by Connor Turque National Catholic Reporter
Film Reviews/Commentaries
Blind Eyes Opened: The Truth About Sex Trafficking in America Reviewed by Denis Grasska Crux
The Life Ahead Reviewed by Jo Siedlecka Independent Catholic News
Waging Peace: One Soldier's Story of Putting Love First by Diana Oestreich National Catholic Register
The Priest Commentary by Charles Collins Crux
Silence Commentary by Stephen G. Adubato Patheos
An Officer and a Spy Commentary by Rob Eshman The Forward
Soul Commentary by Molly Cahill America
Ma Raine Commentary by Jeffrey Salkin Religion News Service
Television Reviews/Commentaries
Self-Made Reviewed by Tyrone McKinley Freeman The Conversation
The Art of Political Murder Commentary by Nick Ripatrazone America
Cobra Kai Reviewed by Kate O'Hare Patheos
Feasting with the Saints
January 17 St. Anthony's Feastday by Gordon Nary
Videos
Defender Of The Children (Philippines Documentary) | Real Stories
Message by Columban Missionary Fr. Shay Cullen about the current situation in the Philippines.
Nefarious: Merchant of Souls | Human Trafficking Documentary
The Catholic Church's Response to Human Trafficking
BEAUTIFUL SLAVE: Song About Child Slavery And Human Trafficking TAKE NO GLORY
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