Modern slavery was the theme of Catholic Mission’s 2020 Christmas Reflection event titled ‘the slave is my sister, the slave is my brother.’ Hosted in partnership with the University of Notre Dame and the Oblates of Mary Immaculate.
The event held at the Fremantle St Patrick’s Basilica on 9 December 2020, drew an international audience, with a livestream service provided for the first time.
This pre-Christmas event was organised in response to a call by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference to raise awareness and inspire action to counter the problem of modern slavery and human trafficking, cited Catholic Mission Perth Diocesan Director Francis Leong.
“The more light we can shine on this problem, the greater is the potential for change for the better,” Mr Leong said.
“The themes we choose each year are designed to not only inspire but to provoke. They draw on the darker yet hope-giving side of the Christmas narrative, focussing on the experience of those who are marginalised, oppressed and vulnerable in our world today.”
Keynote speaker, the University of Notre Dame Australia Vice Chancellor Professor Francis Campbell, meditated on the growing issue of modern slavery, lending his personal experiences to the conversation.
“Drawing on personal encounters of modern slavery issues as a diplomat in Europe, Professor Campbell’s meditation invited us all to not only do our bit in slave-free purchasing over the Christmas period but also raise awareness of this issue in our circles and networks,” Mr Leong cited.
Proceeds from the Reflection will support Catholic Mission’s ongoing partnership with local and international congregations of religious sisters who work to protect vulnerable women and children, many of whom are survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking, by providing education and vocational training opportunities.
“Pope Francis says effective evangelisation is done not by winning arguments but by showing something beautiful, and that was the premise of Catholic Mission’s Christmas Reflection to not only inspire the heart but also a call to action,” Mr Leong explained.
The 2020 Catholic Mission Reflection was live streamed to an international audience, and a recording is available for viewing at the conclusion of this article.
“This Liturgical event of sacred music interspersed with scripture and narrative, drew both local and national attention to the scourge of modern slavery and human trafficking afflicting our world today”, Mr Leong said.
“We encourage everyone to gather amongst friends, family or colleagues to experience this beautiful reflection together.”
Catholic Mission would like to warmly acknowledge event partners; The
Catholic Archdiocese of Perth’s Catholic Migrant & Refugee Office, the
Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans, The Good Shepherd
Sisters WA branch, Notre
Dame University Australia, Catholic Education Western Australia, Saint
John of God Health Care, Iona Presentation College, Aquinas College, St
Patrick’s Basilica and Merus Sound.
The Catholic Mission
Christmas Reflection can be accessed at the following link: www.catholicmission.org.au/perth2020