"The
expression “Talitha Kum” defines the identity and mission
of our global
umbrella network, that gathers more than 6,000 Catholic sisters,
allies
and friends"
Sometime last year, a workshop for Religious Sisters was organized in Pretoria (South Africa) by the "Talitha Kum" network. Delegates from all the female religious congregations serving in our diocese attended it.
Back in the diocese they asked to see me to let me know that they had set up their diocesan committee and would be working against this new slavery affecting our brothers and sisters.
As consecrated women we live in solidarity with our brothers and sisters who suffer the consequences of the evil of human trafficking. We share our lives with those who are in situations of social vulnerability and risk of trafficking. We accept the invitation to take the side of those who are discriminated against, exploited and victimized by modern slavery, breaking the silence, indifference and conformism that support human trafficking and all forms of commodification of life. We value and promote collaboration and partnership with all organizations that are committed to eliminating trafficking in persons and its causes.
Born in Olgossa in the Darfur region of southern Sudan, Josephine was kidnapped at the age of 7, sold into slavery and given the name Bakhita, which means fortunate. She was resold several times, finally in 1883 to Callisto Legnani, Italian consul in Khartoum, Sudan.
This year, her feast day (08 February) fell on a Sunday. The Religious Sisters saw it as an opportunity to launch their service and raise awareness at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish.
As an appointment I had on that day had been postponed, I decided to surprise them and join them at the celebration of Mass.
The Sisters explained what "Talitha Kum" is, spoke about the life of St Josephine Bakhita and made everyone aware that human trafficking is also present in Eswatini and that the Catholic Church has been supporting the government raising awareness.
They then invited everyone to pray together:
In the face of these grave challenges, we turn to prayer and awareness. Prayer is the “small flame” that we must guard amidst the storm, as it gives us the strength to resist indifference to injustice. Awareness enables us to identify the hidden mechanisms of exploitation in our neighborhoods and in digital spaces. Ultimately, the violence of human trafficking can be overcome only through a renewed vision that beholds every individual as a beloved child of God. (Pope Leo XIV)
