Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

“Cabrini Closet” Growing in Donations

March 4, 2015

In recent weeks in the Update we have been featuring a request from CAAC Chairperson Karol Brewer who has been seeking donations of stylish, up-to-date clothing for victims of human trafficking. These young women when they are able to find freedom, often escape, literally with only the clothing they are wearing.

As an integral part of their healing and rehabilitation, they will receive job training. In order to restore a sense of self-esteem and to be able to go on job interviews they need to be appropriately dressed.

An FBI agent shared the pressing need for attractive, up to date clothing. Hence, the “Cabrini Closet” that Karol has spearheaded at The Cottage in Radnor. The need will be on-going. Donations of “like-new” clothing in all sizes, and gift cards to such stores at Forever 21, Target, Marshall’s, TJ Maxx would be greatly appreciated.

27 Million Enslaved

March 4, 2015

End of Slavery February 27th 1 MSCs and friends cropped

Slavery exists, and together we must shine a light on this tragedy. That is the mission of End It Movement, an international coalition made up of the world’s leading anti-trafficking organizations. A21, ECPAT USA, Exodus Road, Not For Sale, International Justice Mission, and many others are partners in this group, which together work to create holistic solutions to this global issue.

On February 27^th End It Movement held a social media based awareness-raising event they called, “Shine a Light on Slavery Day.” The coalition asked people to draw a red “X” on their hands, take a photo, and post it on social media using #enditmovement. The CAAC was proud to be a part of this event, which caused a stir on social media as well as with those who encountered participants. Several people asked CAAC members why they had an “X” on their hands, which created an opportunity to speak to people about human trafficking.

This was a simple, yet powerful way to raise awareness and create a global conversation about human trafficking. Together we will join hands until we will live in a world truly free from slavery.

CAAC Rocks the House!

February 23, 2015

Last week the Cabrini Action and Advocacy Coalition (CAAC) held a rock concert entitled, “Real Love Saves: Fight Slavery with Music” in an effort to raise awareness ab HT Concert Poster JPEG out human trafficking and money for Covenant House. With the help of countless supporters in person and spirit, $450.60 was raised for this amazing charity.

Four local bands donated their time and talent to this event, and Tumulty’s Pub in New Brunswick, NJ graciously donated the use of the space. An enthusiastic crowd was in attendance, bringing the dark pub to life with energy and enthusiasm. Rocking out to the music were Cabrini Mission Corps Director Gina Scarpello and CAAC Coordinator Karol Brewer. CMC missioner Jenay Smith welcomed people at the information and donation table, encouraging people to come in and donate.

Semiotics started off the evening with a fun 30-minute set of alternative rock/emo music. Lyrics such as, “as long as there’s a roof over my head I will be happy,” invoked thoughts about the need for housing for the homeless. They were followed by punk rockers Hurricane Season, who started the set with a song about the difficulties of living with someone addicted to drugs. Living Tradition, an alternative rock band from central Jersey, brought the night to a fever pitch. The concert’s headliner was the female-fronted indie rock band Foxanne. Between bands CMC missioner Melanie spoke about Covenant House’s mission to keep homeless, runaway, and throwaway teens off the streets and safe from predators. Internationally, Covenant House serves 56,000 youth.

It was an amazing night of community coming together with local musicians to raise money for an extremely worthy cause. Partnerships such as this bring the message of social justice to a wider audience, and inspires young people to take action that will lead to change.

Cabrini College Observes International Anti-Human Trafficking Prayer Day

January 29, 2015

On February 5th, Cabrini College will observe the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking. This day was designated by Pope Francis and world interfaith leaders as a day to reflect on the experiences of those that have suffered through this affront to human dignity, and to comfort, strengthen, and help empower survivors. [Read more…]

International Day of Prayer against Human Trafficking

January 29, 2015

A Crime Against Humanity – Modern Day Slavery

Pope Francis has strongly denounced, many times, the trafficking of human beings, defining it as “a crime against humanity” and calling on everyone to get involved in looking after the victims. Responding to the Holy Father’s plea, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Migration, has designated February 8^th as an annual day of prayer for survivors and victims of human trafficking. February 8^th is the feast day of Saint Josephine Bakhita, who was kidnapped from her home in the Sudan at age 7 and sold into slavery. Once Josephine was freed she became a Cannosian Sister and dedicated her life to sharing her testament of deliverance from slavery and comforting the poor and suffering.

The day of prayer on February 8^th is intended to raise awareness of and encourage reflection on the violence and injustice that impact victims of human trafficking. [Read more…]