What is our response?

Dear Sisters and Friends,

I am delighted to have this opportunity to share with you something dear to the heart of St. Claudine – the rescue and protection of young people, and in particular, young women and girls who are caught up in the nightmare of Human Trafficking for Prostitution.

www.aptireland.org

In the Irish Delegation, we have heard the call of Claudine and Pope Francis to “heal the wound on the side of humanity” today – the ‘scourge’ of Human Trafficking for slave – labour; prostitution of young women, girls and boys; trafficking of human organs. Two of our JM Sisters have joined with 27 other Religious Congregations to raise awareness of this ‘scourge’ in our country. Our organisation is called APT (Act to Prevent Trafficking).

“Scourge”; “Betrayal”, … words of our Lenten journey through darkness, sinfulness, pain, betrayals and imprisonment towards the freedom of redemption and resurrection. The Lenten journey of these beautiful young people starts with being betrayed by false promises of a better life in the “rich West”, better education, and work opportunities only to have their youth, innocence and God given dignity destroyed by ruthless traffickers. It fuels the dark side of humanity, addicted to money, sex, power and greed.

What is our response? We are called through Baptism and our Religious Profession to make a difference in our world, to respond to the needs of our sisters and brothers. This is one of those areas of great need. There are various ways of responding: prayer; education through media programmes, school-presentations; societal response, e.g. street ministry through soup/sandwiches and medical services for those caught in the sex-trade. These people are in need of some kindness – they are controlled by pimps and traffickers who are cruel, ruthless and merciless.

The aim of APT (act to prevent trafficking) is to raise awareness that Ireland is a “receiver” country of young people from Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia and countries in Africa. We work together with the Police, other Bodies who provide safe shelter, medical services education and legal aid to help those who manage to escape from this servitude. This is their road to “resurrection”, freedom and life!

Wishing you God’s blessings this Easter and always,

Mairin McDonagh, RJM.

Ireland

Co-ordinator of APT (Act to Prevent Trafficking)