9 Days for Life Novena - Day 3

January 22, 2018

Intercession:  For victims and survivors of human trafficking.

Prayers:  Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be

Reflection:  Pope Francis calls for a renewed commitment to end human trafficking, which he aptly describes as "deplorable…cruel…criminal" (Angelus, 7/30/2017). International Labor Organization's 2014 estimate placed the number of traffic victims — men, women, and children — at 21 million worldwide.

Those who are vulnerable are most at risk for being lured into situations where they are trafficked, particularly migrants and refugees. They face significant barriers such as language and adapting to a new culture, lack of support systems, and the burden of poverty. Easily tempted by false promises of traffickers, they often find themselves in forced labor situations with no means of escape.

When we meet others in our daily lives who have come from other lands, are we extending them the simple warmth of a smile and a welcome? Are we in tune to the red flags that might indicate trafficking in our own communities? Learn more about how you can fight trafficking under "One Step Further."

Acts of Reparation  (choose one):

  • Contact a local service provider who assists victims and survivors of human trafficking to learn more about human trafficking in your community and how you can support their efforts. (If you don't know who the local service provider is, ask your local Catholic Charities office.)

  • Spend some time reflecting upon the  Catechism of the Catholic Church  no. 2414.

  • Use the USCCB Migration and Refugee Service's National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month & Day of Prayer Toolkit www.usccb.org/about/anti-trafficking-program/upload/Anti-Trafficking-Toolkit-Final-2018-2.pdf  to raise awareness about and encourage prayer and action to fight human trafficking.

One Step Further:  Would you know how to identify a potential trafficking situation?  Learn more about human trafficking and the red flags through the USCCB's Anti-Trafficking Program at  www.usccb.org/about/anti-trafficking-program/index.cfm

Almost half of the reported victims of human trafficking in the U.S. in 2016 were foreign nationals. Consider bringing the Amistad Movement to your parish to help raise awareness about human trafficking among immigrant populations.   www.usccb.org/about/anti-trafficking-program/amistad.cfm

If you suspect someone is a victim of human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline (888-3737-888) for immediate assistance. They can communicate in over 200 languages and provide immediate information, assistance, and local referrals for potential human trafficking situations.

 

Excerpt from Pope Francis, "Angelus" © 2017, Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Vatican City. Used with permission. Copyright © 2018, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved .

Theresa Simone Murray

April 24, 2025
Theresa Simone Murray, born Pepin on August 24, 1934, in Chicopee, MA, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2025, at the Arbors in Westfield. Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May Theresa's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. A Memorial Mass will be held in her honor at St. Francis of Assisi, where family and friends will gather to celebrate her life and legacy on April 28, 2025 at 11am. Click here for more information.

Sheilamae M. Cole

April 9, 2025
Sheilamae M. (Marchessault) Cole, 86, of Ware, MA, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on April 4, 2025. Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May Sheilamae's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. The family will receive family and friends on Tuesday, April 15th, 2025 Visitation will be at Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis Church in Belchertown at 12:30 pm, with Interment to follow at South Cemetery in Belchertown. Click here for more information.

James L. Scott

April 4, 2025
James Leonard Scott, 78, passed away March 25, 2025, at his home with his wife by his side. Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May James' soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025 from 9:30-10:30am at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 am at St. Francis of Assisi. Burial will immediately follow in New St. Williams Cemetery in Ware. Click here for more information from Beers and Story Funeral Home.

Patricia A. Squires

March 19, 2025
On February 24, 2025, six days after her 85th birthday, Patricia Ann (DeSantis) Squires passed away at Cooley Dickinson Hospital following a brief illness. Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May Patricia's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. The family will receive friends on Friday, March 28, 2025 at St. Francis Church, 24 Jabish St., Belchertown from 9:00 to 11:00 A.M. followed by the Liturgy of Christian burial at 11:00 A.M. Burial will follow in South Cemetery in Belchertown. Click here for more information.

Thomas T. Soja

March 7, 2025
Thomas T. Soja, 82, of Belchertown passed away unexpectedly on March 4, 2025 surrounded by his loved ones. Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May Tom's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Visitation will be Wednesday, March 12 from 9:30-11:30 am at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home with a Funeral Mass at 12pm at St. Francis Church. Burial will be at the MA Veterans' Memorial Cemetery at 2pm. Click here for more information from Beers and Story Funeral Home.

Denise O. Cote

February 14, 2025
With great sorrow, we announce the passing of Denise O. (Grondin) Cote, who peacefully passed away surrounded by her family on February 10th, 2025, at Mercy Medical Center. Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May Denise's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home during calling hours on Wednesday, February 19th, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:30 AM at St. Francis Church. Following the Mass, the burial will take place at West Cemetery in Granby. Click here for more information from Beers and Story Funeral Home.

Dennis Riel

February 12, 2025
Dennis Louis Riel, 72, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2025. Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May Dennis' soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. A calling hour to honor Dennis' memory will be held on Monday, February 17th, from 9:00am -10:00am at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30am at St. Francis Church, Belchertown. Click here for more information from Beers and Story Funeral Home.

Veronica C. Shea

February 5, 2025
Veronica C. Shea (née Higgins), born April 7, 1941, in Holyoke, MA, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2025, in Springfield, MA. Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May Veronica's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Visitation will be on February 6 from 4 PM to 7 PM at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home, 10 Maple St. A Funeral Mass will be conducted on February 7 at 11 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 24 Jabish St in Belchertown, followed by her interment at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Click here for more information from Beers and Story Funeral Home.

Gerald J. Millen

January 30, 2025
Gerald "Jerry" J. Millen, 84, passed away January 26, 2025. Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May Jerry's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 2, 2025, from 1-3 pm at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to join the funeral procession on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 11 am to St. Francis of Assisi Church, where Jerry’s life will be celebrated with a Funeral Mass at 12pm. Burial will follow at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery at 2 pm. Click here for more information from Beers and Story Funeral Home.

Michael J. Lamoureux

December 18, 2024
Michael J. Lamoureux passed away on December 15, 2024, surrounded by his loving family in Wilbraham, Massachusetts. Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May Michael's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. A celebration of Michael’s life will commence with a period of visitation on Monday, December 23, 2024, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:30 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. Click here for more information from Beers and Story Funeral Home.
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