Human trafficking is a global problem, and it’s not a new one. As opponents of the abhorrent practice do everything they possibly can to battle against the traffickers, it can seem like an uphill battle. Especially as reports such as the following from the United Nations website are published: Child trafficking, trafficking for forced labor, and forced criminality are rising as poverty, conflict, and climate leave more people vulnerable to exploitation, according to the 2024 Global Report on Trafficking in Persons published today by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
As overwhelming as it may seem, there is something that each of us can do that is easily accessible. Just ask Sister Mary Savoie.
Sr. Mary has been involved in the fight against human trafficking since her long-time friend and fellow Sister of St. Joseph, the late Margaret Nacke, first began questioning what was being done by the CSJs to work toward eradicating human trafficking. That was close to 15 years ago, and Sr. Mary had been right alongside Sr. Margaret in the crusade against human trafficking.
Before her passing in 2024, Sr. Margaret made a difference. She was instrumental in creating programs that advance education about trafficking, and the US Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking organization, now known as the Alliance to End Human Trafficking. She also helped develop a national telephone hotline for victims to call for help.
After Sr. Margaret’s passing, Sr. Mary wanted to continue the mission. Sister Mary explains, “After Sister Margaret died (March 30, 2024), I was frequently questioned by others about what I am going to do to continue Margaret’s work to eradicate human trafficking. So, I prayed, asking God if this was what he wanted of me. God responded by inspiring me to think of a way that ‘prayer’ could become a way that many could be involved…using the power of prayer.”
At 94 years young, Mary is in great health but was concerned with the scope of tackling such a significant and enormous undertaking. “One thing I can do is pray,” she decided. “I always believed in prayer, but I hadn’t thought of the actual power of prayer,” she says.
In June 2024, she announced plans to begin a prayer group to eradicate human trafficking. She began recruiting prayer warriors for the cause at the Sisters’ June assembly. Sisters Mary Jo Sullivan and D.J. Rak expressed an interest in joining Mary to bring the idea to the community. “I consider them to be my consultants for the group,” Sister Mary says. Sister Judy Stephens was also instrumental in the beginning stages of the group. She is the Director of the CSJ Justice and Peace Committee and agreed that this is a Justice and Peace issue.
Tables with sign-up sheets for various committees, including Mary’s new idea, were set up at the assembly. She collected over 40 signatures that day from CSJ Sisters. An excellent start for an important cause! Sisters Mary Jo, based in Oklahoma City, and D.J., in Junction City, have been busy promoting the group to others they cross paths with.
The word spread beyond the community; they have recruited more than 70 ambassadors to date! Sr. Mary says, “What happened was, people would ask what I was doing, and once I told them, they asked if they could join in.”
Each “Living Faith Ambassador” receives a personal message from Sister Mary, brief information on human trafficking, and a prayer to be offered for each month. Motherhouse Administrative Services employee, Jane Wahlmeier, keeps track of the mailing list and sends the monthly emails.
Sr. Mary enjoys the numerous notes and letters she has received from many of the Prayer Ambassadors. She has even received an anonymous life story from a survivor of human trafficking sent by the victim’s counselor.
If you’re interested in joining this powerful mission, simply send an email to jwahlmeier@csjkansas.org to be added to the list and begin on the journey of eradicating human trafficking.
If you suspect trafficking is taking place or have an emergency, please call local law enforcement or the National Human Trafficking Hotline immediately at 1-888-373-7888 to report what you know.
In the case of an emergency, please call 911.