January 25, 2026

Dear Sisters, and Associates,

As an international Congregation, I write to you to ask you to participate in a prayer time between February 4-8, 2026 for an International Time of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking.  We would be joining religious all across the world in these days of prayer.

Pope Leo has written for this occasion the following:  "Peace be with you all! It is the peace of the Risen Christ — unarmed, disarming, humble, and persevering.  A peace rooted in God’s unconditional love."

I am asking that sometime during these days between February 4-8 as a province and mission, you choose a date for prayer for this specific purpose:  to pray for an end to human trafficking.

The following are some prayer ideas you may wish to use.

Leader: Peace and dignity are inseparable.  “True peace is not just the absence of war but the presence of justice”, compassion, and respect for every human life.  Where dignity is violated—through exploitation, trafficking, poverty, or displacement – peace is broken. When dignity is upheld, peace is restored.  On this feast of Saint Josephine Bakhita, once she was enslaved yet now a beacon of hope, we gather as a global community.  From every continent and tradition, we unite in prayer, affirming that ending human trafficking is both a moral and spiritual call.

You may want to light a candle each day for these specific intentions:

Candle of Peace – for women and girls whose dignity is wounded.  Christian prayer: “Blessed are the peacemakers.” (Matthew 5:9)

Candle of Faith – for survivors whose resilience inspires transformation.  Muslim prayer: “Indeed, with hardship comes ease.” (Surah Ash-Sharh 94:6)

Candle of Love – for children whose innocence has been taken away.  Hindu prayer: “May all beings be happy and free from suffering.” (Visuddhimagga 9.8)

Candle of Justice – for all seeking freedom and justice.  Jewish prayer: “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” (Deuteronomy 16:20)

Candle of Hope – for migrants, refugees, and displaced peoples.  Buddhist reflection: “Hope is a seed of awakening; from compassion grows the path to freedom.”

All together: Dignity is the flame that no darkness can extinguish. Peace begins when dignity is honored.

 

REFLECTIONS AND INTERFAITH PRAYERS

• Candle of Peace – Africa “I am Peace, but my flame sparks in a world of war and division.” Prayer: God of compassion, protect those trapped by trafficking.  Grant courage to the vulnerable, wisdom to leaders, and hearts open to justice.  Through St. Josephine Bakhita, may freedom flourish.  Amen.
• Candle of Faith – Europe “I am Faith, often questioned, yet I never fully die.” Prayer:  God of justice and peace, strengthen efforts against trafficking and awaken hearts to protect life and dignity.  Through St. Josephine Bakhita, may Europe be a place of safety and hope.  Amen.
• Candle of Love – Americas “I am Love, dimmed by indifference, yet I continue to shine.” Prayer: God of life, protect the exploited and abused, strengthen solidarity, and inspire justice. Through St. Josephine Bakhita, may all hearts find freedom and care. Amen.
• Candle of Justice – Asia “I am Justice, weakened under oppression, yet I long to shine.” Prayer: God of freedom, restore dignity to survivors, raise leaders for justice, and protect the vulnerable.  Through St. Josephine Bakhita, may Asia shine with peace.  Amen.
• Candle of Hope – Oceania “I am Hope. While I burn, all other candles can shine again.”  Prayer:  Creator God, bless trafficked and displaced persons, strengthen communities, and inspire care for every life.  Through St. Josephine Bakhita, may hope and justice prevail.  Amen.

CONCLUDING PRAYER :

Provident God, you came “to set the captives free.” (Luke 4:14-21)  We pray for all victims and survivors of trafficking, wars, and conflicts, who have endured suffering yet continue to show courage and resilience.  Grant them peace in their hearts and restore their dignity, wounded by violence and injustice.  Inspire leaders and communities to act with courage against exploitation, war, and every form of oppression.  Touch the hearts of those who harm others, guiding them toward justice, reconciliation, and compassion, so that all may live in freedom, respect, and lasting peace.  May people everywhere join hands to build a world where peace begins with dignity for all.  Amen

All together:  May peace, justice, love, and hope, circle the whole earth, now and forever. Amen

One with you in God’s loving Providence,

Sister Barbara McMullen, Congregational Leader