CHARITY CONNECTIONS  explores A WOUND ON THE BODY OF CHRIST

“Human Trafficking is an open wound on the body of contemporary society, a scourge upon the body of Christ.” Pope Francis, April 10, 2014

This issue of the publication of the Sisters of Charity Federation explores “Contemporary Implications of our Vincentian-Setonian Heritage”

CHARITY CONNECTIONS Number 49 Fall 2014 (PDF)

…in the spirit of Vincent de Paul who challenged the owner of galley slaves with the words, “These are your people, Sir! You will have to answer for them before God”

We come together…

Vincent, Barbe, Elizabeth and Blandina saw what was before them.

Today, Vincent challenges us:

“DO WHAT IS BEFORE YOU.”

…in the spirit of early Daughter of Charity Barbe Angiboust who placed her body between a galley slave and the guard who wanted to beat him

Did You Know?

Major sports events are venues of increased human trafficking

We, the members of the Federation, raised awareness of the evil prior to Super Bowls and the Kentucky Derby by talking with hotel managers, civic leaders, the media; we place soap and lip balm with the national hotline number (1-888-373-7888) in the hotel rooms and in public places.

…in the spirit of Elizabeth Ann Seton who joined with other women to minister to immigrant women workers, often defrauded of wages and sexually abused

…in the spirit of Blandina Segale (SC ), Servant of God (1850-1941) who rescued victims of human trafficking in New Mexico and Cincinnati, facing armed guards to rescue women from the brothels.

Human Trafficking Facts

• An estimated 29.8 million people are enslaved around the world

• Of those enslaved

◦ 80% are female

◦ 50% are under 18 years of age

• An estimated 17,500 foreign nationals are trafficked into the USA each year

• Over 100,000 USA children are victims of trafficking within the USA.

• Human trafficking includes

◦ sweatshop laborers

◦ agricultural laborers

◦ domestic servants

◦ nannies

◦ manicurists

◦ restaurant workers

◦hotel workers

We show solidarity with the victims of human trafficking by

wearing or displaying the United Nations “blue heart”.

The “blue heart” represents the sadness of human trafficking and the cold-heartedness of those who buy and sell human beings.

We serve as witnesses in court for women who are victims, not

perpetrators, of prostitution.

Today Elizabeth reminds us:

“BE PREPARED TO MEET YOUR GRACE IN EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE.”

Did you know?

There is a national coalition of US Catholic Sisters against human trafficking (USCSAHT)

Many congregations also collaborate with regional groups to address various dimensions of human trafficking.

We, the members of the Federation, are among the 70+ Congregations that co-sponsor Stop Trafficking, an informational newsletter fostering awareness, advocacy and action around the issues of human trafficking.

We sponsor, collaborate or volunteer in various residential “safe houses.”

At least three Congregations have taken a “Corporate Stance” against human trafficking.

Today Vincent insists:

“LOVE IS INVENTIVE UNTO INFINITY”

Marcel’s Story

I am part of “Street Outreach” in Cincinnati. Once a week we load a van filled with gift bags of personal care items, water and notes of encouragement. After giving the police department a description of our vehicle and destination, we hit the streets.

Informative

Human Trafficking

Websites

Stop trafficking Newsletter: www.stopenslavement.org

Blue Heart Campaign: www.unodc.org/blueheart

New York Lifeway Network: http://lifewaynetwork.org

This issue was prepared by

JoAnn Bonauro, SC, Brigid Marie Grandey, SC, Rita Hawk, SC,

Mary McCormick, SC, Kathleen Shannon, DC, and Marilyn Shea, SCN

members of the Charity Connections Committee

http://sisters-of-charity-federation.org/

When we see a lone woman, we stop and two of us get out. The others watch for signs of trouble from pimps watching from windows, doorways or rooftops. If the van lights start flashing, we get back in right away.

We offer the woman a gift bag, talk with her briefly and give her a business card with an invitation to come to a safe place the next day. There she will find all kinds of help: counseling, a meal, a place to relax; help in getting medical care. If she is ready, she will be referred to a safe shelter.

It’s a privilege to be able to offer a woman compassion. We want to tell her she matters – that we care – that we can help.

We recently approached a woman who said she had been walking around all day asking God for help. Then we came. She was in tears, but told us she had a safe place for that night. She promised she would come to “The Well” (a safe place) the next day. I prayed she would not lose her resolve. But she did not come.

Maybe next time.

Marcel DeJonchere SC

Reflection Questions

What insights have I gained from reflecting on human trafficking, “an open wound on the body of contemporary society”…?

How can I personally participate in efforts against human trafficking?

How do Vincent’s words, “These are your people,” motivate us to future action?