MANILA (SE): The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) declared February 5 as National Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking or NDPAAHT, CBCP News reported on December 19.
The declaration stemmed from a request from the CBCP Cluster Against Human Trafficking [CCAHT] to strengthen the Church’s campaign against the modern-day slavery.
The CBCP Permanent Council approved the petition during its meeting in Manila last November 23.
CCAHT was formed in 2017 to further collaborations among the different CBCP Commissions led by the Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People [ECMI].
In his letter to the bishops, ECMI executive secretary Father Roger Manalo stressed the need for “more rigorous efforts” in the campaign against human trafficking, CPCP News reported.
The Church in the Philippines observed February 8 the feast day of St. Josephine Bakhita, patron saint of human trafficking and slavery victims.
However, the CCAHT emphasised that observing the national day of prayer on a Sunday “can have a more meaningful impact in terms of information and mainstreaming too the parishes in general.”
Father Manalo said, “Other than national celebrations, the declaration can also facilitate diocesan and sub-regional celebrations or observances.”
The National Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking will be held at the EDSA Shrine in Quezon City.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
Father Manalo also said they will again appeal to the CBCP to make the National Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking a yearly observance every first Sunday of February.
