ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA

Dear Friends,

            It is inspiring to see so many people gathered here today to help combat the terrible tragedy of human trafficking, which is nothing other than modern-day slavery. I am grateful to the Migration and Refugee Services of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and to the Catholic Coalition for Justice and Peace: Religious of the Philadelphia area.

             It is a grave sin against human dignity to deceive and enslave those who wish to emigrate in search of a better life. Yet, so many people across our nation are subjected to horrible living conditions in which no one would seek to live. Often these people are even forced into work which is in itself immoral, just for the sake of survival.

             These conditions would, for many people, seem to be a problem of centuries past or only of third-world nations. It is difficult to accept that these situations still exist in the United States of the 21st century. And yet, exist they do. To confront them we must increase our own awareness of these tragedies while working to remedy them. It is a sign of the times that today there is a great sensitivity to this issue involving human dignity. Finally, there is a greater recognition of this evil of human trafficking and the need to extirpate it. And yet our society is ambivalent on the question of human dignity, and inconsistent in applying its principles. The cause of human life and human dignity is not yet secure in the United States of America.

             I am, however, very gratified to learn of the many efforts on the part of the United States Departments of Justice and of Health and Human Services to serve the victims of human trafficking.

             I am also gratified to hear of the involvement of so many organizations, locally and nationally, in working to combat human trafficking through many approaches: raising awareness of the issue among the general populace; identifying and serving victims; and preventing the continued exploitation of others. All this is a work worthy of human solidarity.

             I am glad to be able to say that Catholic Human Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is diligently cooperating with various other local organizations in this important endeavor.

             The work of the Catholic Coalition for Peace and Justice has been essential in making this day possible. The consecrated religious of this coalition are an example to all of us of how to show concern for the neediest in our society.

             I assure all of you of my prayers during this conference. I pray for all who are victimized by human trafficking and for the families they have left behind in their native lands. As this day begins, please silently join me in prayer:

 

Lord God, 

            You have made all humanity in your image, and have given us a share of your likeness. Help us to recognize that image and likeness in all people. Make us aware especially of those who find themselves subjected to inhuman conditions and unable to live in freedom.

             May we always remind the world, through our words and especially through our actions, of the dignity you have given us and of our responsibility to safeguard that dignity on behalf of all.

             Guide us to protect the rights of all who have been victimized. May they and their families be protected from harm, may they be granted freedom from their oppressors, and may they be granted a full recognition of the dignity which is theirs. Guide our nation, our state, our city, and all people and organizations, to work for an end to human trafficking and to all types of injustice as we seek to live as your children and as brothers and sisters to one another.

             We ask this through Christ our Lord.