On February 7 a diocesan prayer vigil took place at the Church of Santa Sofia in Padua on occasion of the 11th annual International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking, in which the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor also participated.
It was a moment of meditation, reflection, and testimony to raise awareness about the spread of the phenomenon and the importance of action, even through small steps, in defense of people who are victims of exploitation, who are above all the most vulnerable—minors, women, and migrants. Right on this front, in the city, Franciscan Sisters of the Poor are present with Project Miriam, offering listening, hospitality, and support to women and minors who are victims of trafficking or in grave situations of hardship.
Sr. Carla Casadei, supervisor of Project Miriam, tells us about this initiative:
“The goal of this vigil is to involve the whole city, first of all, not just the religious world, in the awareness of the dimension of this phenomenon, which affects 50 million people worldwide and is also very prevalent here in Padua, even if it is hidden.
Every year we try to expand on the theme of the Day of Prayer adding, besides time for reflection, some elements of beauty and of an artistic nature like music, singing, and dance. In line with this year’s theme, we want to be ambassadors of hope, and, therefore, not simply condemn all the realities of the present linked to trafficking but also advance an idea for the future, one of life that is born again and keeps going, that reintegrates itself into society and wants to do so with elements of beauty.
We have been present in Padua for about 27 years with our shelter to combat sexual exploitation and the trafficking of human beings. Even though we can only host a limited number of women, in the course of these years we have welcomed about 310. Many of them have found a better future. They have been able to integrate, assimilate, and free themselves from this slavery and have rebuilt a more tranquil life.
Unfortunately, the value of inclusion is not yet so widespread, and therefore, it is important to continue the work of increasing awareness to motivate people to make concrete commitments, beginning with the little things. It is necessary to promote welcoming migrants, not exploiting them in the labor market, and to live with a more open mentality in regard to those who do not share our own faith or language.”
In continuity with the ongoing Jubilee, the theme of this Day emphasizes hope, which we must maintain even in facing global issues like the trafficking of people and persevering with determination in order to build a world of peace, justice, and dignity for everyone.
