Little girl, rise up! (Mark 5:41)

This meaningful phrase is short yet full of empowerment! Little girl, rise after a nightmare, rise after a necessary time of rest, rise like the morning sun, rise like the one who rose from the dead!

Many children—both girls and boys—experience true nightmares when they are taken from their families. Older children, other minors, and sometimes young adults also fall victim to false promises of a better life, only to end up trapped in what we call human trafficking.

This reality is unfortunately not new. However, with the mass movements of people due to social, political, and climatic instability, more vulnerable individuals have become potential and actual victims of this horrific crime.

Around 1877, a young girl, along with others, was taken from the town of Olgassa, Sudan, by slave traders. Ironically, she was given by the slave traders the name "Bakhita," which means "Lucky" in Arabic. Later in Italy, she became known as Josephine. After enduring immense suffering, she was finally set free and chose to become a religious sister. Saint Josephine Bakhita became a symbol of resistance against human trafficking and a beacon of hope for countless others throughout history. She not only experienced physical freedom from slavery but also achieved inner freedom from the horrors she had endured.

One initiative making a significant impact in the fight against human trafficking is Talitha Kum (from the Aramaic ‘Little girl, rise up’). This international Catholic network, led by religious women, works tirelessly to empower victims, provide education, build networks, and advocate for policies to prevent human trafficking and support survivors.

On February 8th, we observe the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking. In solidarity with victims and those working to combat this grave issue, let us join Saint Josephine Bakhita in raising our voices to our Heavenly Father. Together, we can help lift people out of these atrocities and prevent others from falling into this cruel trap.

For more information and ways to get involved, visit:

● International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking: https://preghieracontrotratta.org/
● Talitha Kum : https://www.talithakum.info/