St Josephine Bakhita, who was sold into slavery at a young age, is known as the Patron Saint of victims of modern slavery and human trafficking. Her Feast Day is on February 8, also known as the World Day of Prayer, Reflection and Action Against Human Trafficking
On February 11, 2020 Caritas Sri Lanka commemorated the feast of St. Josephine Bakhitha with the Catholic National Commission on Migration. The Eucharistic celebration lead by Most Rev. Dr. Raymond Kingsley Wickramasinghe, Bishop of Galle and Chairman of the Catholic National Commission on Migration. Rev. Fr. Mahendra Gunatilleke, National Director of Caritas Sri Lanka – SEDEC and Rev.Fr. Sanjeewa Mendis, National Director of Catholic National Commission on Migration were the cocelebrants. The homily was delivered by Rev. Fr. Mahendra Gunatilleke. The mass was offered for the victims of human trafficking, the social workers and all those who are working against this brutal inhuman activity.
Most Rev. Dr. Raymond Kingsley Wickramasinghe and Rev. Fr. Mahendra Gunatilleke enlighten the participants on St. Josephine Bakhita’s remarkable love and forgiveness, and her hope in God’s love by highlighting her life witnessing service.
“If I were to meet the slave-traders who kidnapped me and even those who tortured me, I would kneel and kiss their hands, for if that did not happen, I would not be a Christian and Religious today.. The Lord has loved me so much, we must love everyone..we must be compassionate! “ – St. Josephine Bakhitha
