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Join with us in the global online prayer marathon 8 February 2021. Mass @ 10:30 (BST), online Monday 8 February 2021. | APT Ireland

Join with us in the global online prayer marathon 8 February 2021. Mass @ 10:30 (BST), online Monday 8 February 2021.

As part of the global online prayer marathon to mark the International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking and feast day of St. Josephine Bakhita, Patron saint of trafficked persons, APT/AMRI are celebrating Mass at 10:30 a.m. Monday 8 February 2021.

The Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael’s Parish Church, Athy, Co. Kildare and transmitted via the Church Services network (www.churchservices.tv )and also on the RTE News channel.

APT/AMRI member Fr. Pat Murphy, SPS, is selecting special readings for the day itself, focusing on the reassurance of God’s love, hope and redemption in the face of adversity.

Sr. Liz Byrne, IBVM, Chairperson APT/AMRI will share about St. Josephine Bakhita, a Sudanese girl trafficked from her homeland and the relevance of her survival story for us all, especially during these times of a pandemic.

Mary Ryan, RSM, has prepared a number of thoughtful Prayers of the Faithful, thanks to the help of fellow APT/AMRI members.

We are especially grateful to Very Rev. Fr. Liam Rigney, PP at St. Michael’s in Athy for his generosity in hosting the Mass and to local singers Jacinta O’ Donnell and Geraldine Flanagan, for their participation in song.

Pope Francis has designated 8th February, the feast of St Josephine Bakhita, as the World Day of Prayer, Reflection and Action Against Human Trafficking following a request from Talitha Kum, the worldwide Network of Consecrated Life Against Human Trafficking. Josephine Bakhita was born in Southern Sudan in 1869, and during her life experienced kidnapping and slavery in both Sudan and Italy. After gaining her freedom Josephine Bakhita dedicated her life to sharing her story and to supporting the poor and suffering. She eventually became a Canossian Sister and was canonised in 2000.

Sadly we know that the many dimensions of human trafficking and slavery have escalated in the ongoing pandemic, however, each one of us can contribute to changing this reality for someone.

As the anthropologist Margaret Mead encouraged us, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Together we can make a difference!

 

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