Women's History Month, Women Figures in The Church, UNODC Reports, and a Religious Sisters.   Hidden in Plain Sight: A USCCB/MRS Anti-trafficking Newsletter September 2023 Issue 5 National Migration Week Last week we celebrated National Migration Week (NMW), which is an annual event in the United States that highlights the contributions of immigrants and refugees to the country's social, cultural, and economic fabric. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the challenges and injustices that many migrants face. The Church's teachings on migration emphasize the importance of welcoming the stranger and supporting those in need; NMW is a time for Catholics and people of all faiths to unite in solidarity with migrants. Throughout National Migration Week, the Church organizes various events and activities to raise awareness about the plight of migrants and refugees. These may include Masses, prayer services, panel discussions, and educational programs. The Church also engages in advocacy efforts to promote fair immigration policies and to address issues related to family separation, detention, and deportation. National Migration Week serves as a reminder of the Church's commitment to standing with the vulnerable and marginalized in society, making it a significant time for reflection and action for Catholics and all those who seek a more just and compassionate world. Please let us know if you celebrated National Migration Week this year, and let us know what you did! Pope Francis has been a steadfast advocate for migrants and refugees, consistently emphasizing the importance of welcoming and supporting those who are forced to migrate due to circumstances beyond their control. The response to NMW has been one of unwavering support. Pope Francis has urged Catholics and people of all faiths to recognize the inherent dignity of every human being, regardless of their migration status. He has emphasized that forced migration is often a consequence of poverty, violence, and persecution. Therefore, it is a moral imperative for societies to help and give refuge to those in need. His strong stance on this issue has inspired countless individuals and organizations to act and show solidarity with migrants and refugees. This year's theme, “Free to choose whether to migrate or to stay” shines a light on the root causes of migration. In many instances, war and conflict have left people with no option but to abandon their homes and seek safety elsewhere. Pope Francis emphasizes the importance of understanding the systemic factors contributing to forced migration, such as political instability, economic inequality, and persecution. Through advocacy, education, and charitable works, the Catholic faithful can work to create a world where individuals and families are free to choose whether to migrate or stay in their homelands. By addressing these issues, we can help create the conditions for people to live in safety and dignity, regardless of where they call home. Hispanic Heritage Month Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latin communities in the United States. This month-long observance, which runs from September 15th to October 15th, provides an opportunity to honor the achievements, traditions, and resilience of Hispanic Americans while recognizing the challenges they continue to face. Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, communities across the nation come together to host cultural events, art exhibitions, music performances, and educational programs that highlight the significant impact of Hispanic Americans in various fields, including arts, science, politics, and more. It's a time for individuals to explore the vibrant tapestry of Hispanic culture, sample delicious foods, and learn about the profound influence of Hispanic heritage on American society. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let us remember the importance of inclusivity, diversity, and unity, and continue to promote understanding and appreciation for all cultures that enrich our nation.  The Church plays a significant role in celebrating the diversity of its parishioners, particularly in countries like Central, Latin, and South America, where Hispanic communities hold a strong faith in figures such as Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Lujan, San Juan Diego, San Martin de Porres, St. Rose of Lima and our beloved Pope Francis, who comes from the grand city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The first Salvadorian Bishop in the US stressed the importance of "popular religiosity" as a treasure of God's people and encouraged Hispanics to embrace their cultural heritage and act as examples of their traditions. He also emphasized the rich culture that Latin American immigrants bring, as they share a wealth of culture, religion, traditions, and wisdom. Speaking on behalf of all Hispanics and Latinos, Bishop Menjivar highlights the unique traditions and values everyone contributes to a country like the US, stating, "We are part of a cultural mosaic, and being Hispanic means being a part of that mosaic, within the broader spectrum of cultural diversity that even exists within the Hispanic community itself." The spirit of fraternity and social friendship described by Pope Francis in his encyclical Fratelli Tutti contributes significantly to the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month among Hispanic/Latino Catholics in the United States. Next Stop: New Orleans, Louisiana! Our Executive Director William, Bill Canny, has taken a trip down to the south with the Santa Marta Group Hogan Lovells and others to discuss with Governor John Bel Edwards and First Lady Donna Edwards the issues of Human Trafficking. First Lady Donna Edwards and John Bel Edwards visited the USCCB earlier this year. They took the time to discuss the pertinence of human trafficking, its root causes, the intersections with prison reform, substance use and misuse, violence against women and more. During his stay in Louisiana, Bill Canny visited women’s shelters, including Eden House and Metanoia Manor, and spent time at Angola prison to meet with inmates and hear their stories. Bill expressed “immense gratitude for this experience, being able to learn more about the work being done in Louisiana and around the world to end labor and sexual exploitation. Local, State and international organizations such as the Santa Marta Group play a vital role in ending the crime of human trafficking, which has been a focus here at USCCB for many years”. Places Visited, LA Eden House New Orleans Started in 2011, Eden House is an organization focused on eradicating the harboring, transpiration or selling of human beings; they focus on systemic change through prevention education in youth prevention, legislative advocacy, recovery and reentry services for victims and survivors of human trafficking. Moreover, their long-term housing shelter which helps to reenter individuals into society after their victimization. Eden House became the first recovery home for adult victims of trafficking, and exploitation in the New Orleans area, inspired by the recovery home in Nashville, Tennessee named Magdalene House/Thistle Farms. Eden House’s mission is focused on the epidemic of human trafficking and its commercial sexual exploitation for all ages, ethnicities, and races. Focused on housing victims and helping them seek treatment for substance use, behavioral health, and long-term services like job readiness and skill-based prevention education. Metanoia Founded in 2018, by Fr. Jeffery Bayhi, as a faith-based residential facility for victims and survivors of human trafficking, is a holistic approach in healing physically, spiritually, mentally and more. Metanoia provides intervention services for behavioral health, and physical health, life skills and more to female’s survivors focused on rehabilitating all parts of the individual. As a long-term placement option, with a multi-lingual staff they focus on seven different categories to provide well-rounded treatment and recovery solutions for victims/survivors of crime and exploitation. 1. Restoration 2. Physical Health 3. Spiritual Health 4. Mental Health 5. Life Skills 6. Education 7. Transition These seven categories, in this order are deemed to be the strategy that helps individuals recover through a holistic lens to safety, security and empowering individuals back into society with new skills and supports. New Resource! We are thrilled to announce that we have a new St. Bakhita prayer card! Amy Heyse painted the beautiful piece of art that graces the front. Although we cannot print to order, we can share with you a PDF version of the prayer card. We also have the prayer card available in Spanish, please email [email protected] NEW MONTHLY EVENT The St. Josephine Working Group is beginning a Monthly Prayer Service on the 8th of every month to highlight different issues on human trafficking. If interested in learning more email [email protected] If you want to learn more about the USCCB/MRS' Anti-Trafficking Program, reach out to: Felicitas Brugo Onetti Anti-Trafficking Education and Outreach Coordinator Email: [email protected] Phone: (202) 541-3064   Our Company | Contact Us   USCCB | 3211 Fourth Street NE, Washington, DC 20017 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected] powered by Try email marketing for free today!