Marking St Bakhita's Day in Rome
The Clewer Initiative
Last week, Rev Edwina Fennemore, one of the trustees of The Clewer Initiative, went to Rome to take part in the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking.
This year's theme was Ambassadors of Hope: Together Against Human Trafficking.
Throughout the week, there were various events to shine a light on the horror of human trafficking including an online marathon of prayer, a gathering for the Angelus in Saint Peter's Square, a vigil of prayer at Santa Maria in Trastevere, a private audience with the Pope, a Call for Hope and Promote Healing Event and a Young People Initiative.
Invited by Sister Abby Avelino, International Coordinator of UISG, Edwina joined the Talitha Kum network alongside Youth Ambassadors from across different continents. At the end of a week of sharing time together, there was the opportunity to update the Call for Action initiated in 2023, blessed by Pope Francis in this Year of Jubilee (Hope), to strengthen our commitment to:
Pray and care for those affected by human trafficking and those accompanying them;
Implement strategies of rehabilitation, reintegration, inclusion and long-term healing of survivors, wounded healers and persons enduring human trafficking informed by lived experience;
Educate ourselves and others about the root causes, methods and consequences of human trafficking, by promoting creative and holistic approaches, such as using media platforms;
Collaborate by creating physical and digital spaces to share information, practices, provide updates and connect stakeholders for ongoing support.
It was a call to stand in solidarity with survivors, and to continue the journey, calling other partners to join the commitment in guarding the light of human dignity.
We are thankful to Edwina for representing The Clewer Initiative at this important global event.
Photo credit to @Vatican Media
#prayagainsttrafficking #iubilaeum2025