February 8th every year is earmarked as the feast of St Josephine Bakhita, the patron saint of victims of human trafficking. It is internationally known in the Catholic Church as the day Catholic sisters, with their partners and collaborators, pray against human trafficking, sensitize people and reaffirm their stand against human trafficking. Anyone who knows the story of St. Bakhita will agree that she deserves to be celebrated.
What is it like for the Catholic sisters in Nigeria to celebrate St Bakhita’s day?
St Bakhita is not celebrated with precious wine, lyre, and tambourines. No, but with a renewed commitment to fight modern slavery. Amidst tragedy and hardship right from a tender age, she remained resilient; a girl whose spirit remained free even when she was in severe bondage. We celebrate a woman who from her experience of being a slave speaks a thousand soothing words to those who are trafficked. We celebrate a person whose situation was not able to cage her golden heart. We celebrate with deep appreciation her contribution to humanity as a Catholic sister. In this jubilee year of Hope, her life holds even greater meaning. She stands out as a symbol of strength and hope that says:
It will be well tomorrow even if today is all dark” for those who have been tricked by the false promises of human traffickers.
Inspired by this hope, the network of the Nigeria Conference of Women Religious against Human Trafficking works on the frontline across the eight provinces of Nigeria to eradicate human trafficking. For the past three years, through the accompaniment and support of Arise Foundation, we have formed a strong synergy and our impact is more pronounced. We add action to our prayers as we march through the streets, to markets and churches to educate the public, and to declare our intention as promoters of human dignity.
We drive home our messages to the public through education and awareness creation, campaigns, town hall meetings, road walks, and social media. As far as our resources can reach, we empower young people to save them from exploitation. When we encounter survivors, we offer shelter, empower them with skills, and support their re-integration into society. Our message for you as we celebrate St Bahkita:
Be hopeful, be your brothers’ and sister’s keeper, if you are free. Please don’t say, it’s none of my business. No! Your voice, our voices matter. Let us unite and say NO to human trafficking.
St Bakhita is to victims of human trafficking what St. Francis of Assisi is to the poor – a beacon of hope. To donate to Arise, please click here:
Sr. Theresa Ani, CM
Arise Nigeria Liaison
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