On February 8, Sisters from PACTPAN – Zambia, a network of African religious persons working to combat human trafficking, commemorated St. Josephine Bakhita with anti-trafficking awareness campaigns across their nation.
Sr. Christine Mubanga reports that on the commemoration day, human trafficking victims were remembered through prayer vigils, candle lightings, poetry readings and songs. In the Mansa region, community members held a parade with music, banners, and awareness posters.
Additionally, Sisters representing PACTPAN participated in radio and television interviews to bring awareness to the continued presence of trafficking in their communities. “We are called to speak for the voiceless, and to free those who are held captive,” Sr. Mirriam Nkole said in her television interview. “Each one of us has a right to be free.”
St. Josephine Bakhita was born in the Darfur region of Southern Sudan in 1869. At the age of 7, she was kidnapped and sold into slavery. During her many years in bondage, she was sold several times and was often viciously treated. With the help of Canossian Sisters, she was eventually freed and went on to join their order. She died in 1947 and today is known as the patroness of human trafficking victims.
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