Strangers no longer: Raising awareness of Migrant Issues and Human Trafficking

January 7, 2013


Welcome to the first full week of January. Jim Gilbert, in his book Minnesota Nature Notes, tells us that January is the coldest month of the year. We believe that. Last Tuesday, January 1st our low temp that day was minus 14. This week we will have our January thaw. It sounds like we will get some snow this week. I’m not too thrilled about the prospect of rain and freezing rain. I’d be happy with just snow.


As set by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), January 6—12 is National Migration Week. The theme is, Strangers no longer: Together on the Journey of Hope. This theme reminds us of our responsibility to help newcomers integrate in ways that are respectful, culturally sensitive and responsive to the social needs and of the ongoing need for comprehensive and compassionate immigration reform.


January is also Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and January 11th is Human Trafficking Awareness Day, as declared by Congress. Join thousand in prayer at noon our time. See www.weekendofprayer.net, This month we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and the passage of the 13th Amendment. Today’s slavery is in the form of human trafficking which is still going on. Human trafficking, both for labor and sex is among the largest and fastest growing criminal enterprises in the world. The average age at which a girl is force into prostitution in America is 11 –13.


Last week was kind of like, “If in doubt, go to a Wake or a Funeral.” Relatives of three of our Sisters went to heaven…and also, Clemente, a Cuban Refugee that Franciscan Sisters sponsored many years ago.


Saturday, we Sisters had our Christmas party. We started with Evening Prayer, then snacks, followed with a delicious meal…and then gifts for everyone!



The Bloodmobile will be here Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Wednesday and Thursday the hours are 1 to 7 p.m. and on Friday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. We hope for many donors to help us reach our goal.

God bless you.

Have a good week.
Sister Mary Lou