Members of several religious congregations, college students and interested citizens joined in prayer on the evening of January 29 at the Xavier Center Chapel of the College of St Elizabeth. The candlelight vigil was prepared in solidarity with all victims of human trafficking associated with the sexual and labor industries. As New Jersey and New York host Super Bowl XLVIII, it brings with it a significant increase in these horrific practices. Sister Katie Hamm, SC, of LifeWay Network offered a reflection on Isaiah 58: 7-10, “Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,” and “sharing your bread with those enslaved.” She challenged participants to give victims the bread of respect, creativity and opportunity and the shelter of recognition, physical space, partnership and advocacy.

Other speakers included Nita Belles, author of “In Our Backyard: A Christian Perspective on Human trafficking in the United States” and Brad Dennis, National Search Director for the KlassKIDS Foundation & Founder of Called2Rescue, a Search Agency for missing and abducted children. Campus Minister Paul Krenzelok presided over the evening’s event.

Sr. Katie Hamm, SC

Candlelight Vigil for Human Trafficking