Fight against human trafficking: Linz commemorates St. Bakhita!

Fight against human trafficking: Linz commemorates St. Bakhita!

Linz, Österreich - On February 8, 2025, the international prayer day initiated by Pope Francis against human trafficking will also be celebrated, which is also celebrated as a commemoration day of St. Bakhita, a famous figure in the fight against slavery. This initiative is particularly promoted by Sr. Maria Schlackl, who founded the organization "Active against Human Trade - 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 border issue. Her credo is clear: business with the "goods" must be an absolute no-go. On this day, a service for the honor of Bakhita will take place in the Linz 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, such as reported.

parallel to the service, the musical "Bakhita - Longing for Freedom" is listed in the Vienna Hospital of the Merciful Sisters. This work by the priest and songwriter Heinz Purrer tells the touching life story of Josefine Bakhita, who was sold to slavery as a child, but found her freedom and faith. Purrer will perform with his group "Sing & Pray" and promises that the dramatic staging will be an impressive tribute to St. Bakhita, which worked in Italy until her death in 1947. As emphasizes the diocese of Linz , it is important to make the topics and forced prostitution visible not only in the church.

In addition, young activists who walk through the holy gates as part of their pilgrimage in Rome are informed about the “Talitha Kum” network, which is strong for the combating of human trafficking. The "Walking in Dignity" app developed by you would like to encourage people to become active for the victims of human trafficking. This initiative shows that the accent is on a collective responsibility, since 50 million people worldwide live in slavery. An urgent call to raise this terrible reality together and bring about changes.