Fight against human trafficking: Linz remembers Saint Bakhita!

Fight against human trafficking: Linz remembers Saint Bakhita!

On February 8, 2025, the International Day of Prayer against Human Trafficking initiated by Pope Francis will be celebrated, which is also celebrated as the day of remembrance of Saint Bakhita, a famous figure in the fight against slavery. This initiative is being driven forward in particular by Sr. Maria Schlackl, who founded the organization “Active against human trafficking - active for human dignity in Upper Austria”. Schlackl calls for a more intensive fight against this modern form of slavery, which is often treated as a marginal issue. Their credo is clear: doing business with “human goods” must be an absolute no-go. On this day, a service to honor Bakhita will take place in Linz's Mariendom, which begins at 6:15 p.m. and serves as a platform to draw attention to the suffering of those affected. This is also seen by Schlackl and her team as an opportunity to raise public awareness of the reality of human trafficking Kathpress reported.

Cultural engagement and spirituality

Parallel to the service, the musical “Bakhita – Longing for Freedom” will be performed in the Vienna Hospital of the Sisters of Mercy. This work by the priest and songwriter Heinz Purrer tells the touching life story of Josefine Bakhita, who was sold into slavery as a child but found her freedom and faith. Purrer will perform with his group “Sing & Pray” and promises that the dramatic production will be a powerful tribute to Saint Bakhita, who worked in Italy until her death in 1947. How the diocese of Linz emphasizes, it is important to make the issues of human trafficking and forced prostitution visible not only in the church, but in society as a whole.

In addition, young activists who pass through the holy gates in Rome as part of their pilgrimage find out about the “Talitha Kum” network, which is committed to combating human trafficking. The “Walking in Dignity” app they developed wants to encourage people to take action on behalf of victims of human trafficking. This initiative shows the emphasis on collective responsibility as an estimated 50 million people live in slavery worldwide. An urgent call to stand together against this terrible reality and bring about change.