On Sunday, July 30th, World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word held a public prayer vigil for victims of human trafficking in their Chapel of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX.

About 100 people participate in the prayer vigil from various congregations and other lay people throughout the city.

In front of the altar were 10 unlit candles in remembrance of the 10 lives that had recently been lost to human trafficking in San Antonio.  Sr. Mary Henry CCVI led the group in silent reflection for each person who died and then lit their candle.  The rest of the prayer was joining in some contemporary psalms together.

On the back of the prayer program were suggested websites to learn more about human trafficking and take action to end it.  Participants were also encouraged to write to their representatives to support laws that will help end human trafficking and support victims of human trafficking.

Outside the Chapel posters created by students from the University of the Incarnate Word were displayed of various people who have in the past or are currently working to end the sin of human slavery and human trafficking.  Those featured included Sr. Chan Kong a Vietnamese Buddhist nun, Amma a Hindu woman known for her hugging, and Frederick Douglas a former slave and abolitionist.

Originally published in CCVI’s congregational office for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation’s blog.