News from our sisters’ participation in the International Network of Consecrated Life Against Human Trafficking “Talitha Kum”
Sr Nadine Nana at the opening of “Talitha Kum” the DRC
In October, the International Network of Consecrated Life Against Human Trafficking “Talitha Kum”, was established in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was a great honor for me to participate in the opening session of the network.
For more than ten years, many consecrated people in Congo did not know about the existence of this international network, but thanks to the dedication of Father Bernard Ugeux M.Afr, the Talitha Kum leaders decided to open the network in Congo with the approval of monsignor Willy Ngumbi, Bishop of Goma.
The Talitha Kum session took place in the diocese of Goma and was held from October 16th to 20th. It was led by Sister Angela Kapintingana, MSOLA, and coordinated by Professor Bernard Ugeux.
Four dioceses participated: Goma, Bukavu, Kinshasa, and Kisantu. Sr. Beatrice Badini and I, Nadine Nana, participated in the session. During the three days of the session, I deepened my knowledge of Talitha Kum. I discovered the history of the network’s foundation and its operation. I became aware that poverty, war, ignorance, poor governance, natural disasters, etc. make people vulnerable and prone to become victims.
They face difficulties such as lack of shelter, clothing, food, unemployment, lack of education for their children, and lack of healthcare. In the current context of Congo, particularly Goma, which is a red zone, there are many traffickers profiting from the situation. Every day, there are disappearances, violence, sexual exploitation and killings.
Personally, I felt sadness during the session when others shared their experiences of the sexual exploitation of young people by their parents, acquaintances, and the wealthy.
However, I also felt hope because I am convinced that many lives will be saved in the future. I felt within me the call to raise awareness among the people around me, to defend the voiceless, to care for the victims of trafficking, and to restore human dignity by promoting justice.
Lavigerie’s spirit of fighting against injustice inspires me and drives me to do the same. I conclude my sharing by referring to his thought:
“I am a man and nothing human is alien to me.”
Link to Talitha Kum news in East Africa
Sr. Edith Yendaw with the Youth Ambassadors of Hope in Rome
The Youth Ambassadors of Hope gathered together in Rome for a one-week program from February 1st – 8th, 2025. There was a silent demonstration on Sunday 2nd which went to the Vatican with banners and flags protesting against human trafficking and joined the crowds of people who prayed the Angelus with the Pope at noon. As the program continued throughout the week, there was a prayer vigil against human trafficking on 4th at Santa Maria Basilica in Trastevere. On February 6th an event calling for “Hope and Healing” took place at the Pontifical University of the St Cross. His Eminence Cardinal Michael Czerny gave an inspirational message during the event.
The youth ambassadors had a private audience with Pope Francis on February 7th and he gave them an encouraging message and blessed them.
The program continued and marked the 8th as feast day of St. Josephine Bakhita at the UISG center. Sr. Angela Kapitingana the Congregational Leader of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa facilitated the process of developing a call to action.
The day concluded with the awarding of each participant with a certificate, and a spiritual ceremony blessing each and every member as we go back and to keep the connection with each other. It was indeed a beautiful and wonderful program.
