Justice, Peace, Integrity of Creation

On October 31, 2023 in London, Farringdon, UK’s former Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Theresa May MP and Sir Mo Farah drew global attention to the exceptional contribution of Catholic sisters to the anti-trafficking movement, at the inaugural Sisters Anti-Trafficking Awards (SATA). The Arise Foundation, International Union of Superiors General (UISG), and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation co-hosted the event. Learn about the SATA objectives.

What is interesting about Sir Mo Farah is that he is a Muslim, gold medal athlete who was trafficked from Somalia to the UK as a child. He lived as a domestic servant in a family home at a time when human trafficking was not recognized as a crime and people thought slavery had ended. Now we know the reality - there are 50 million people across the world living as slaves, and 12 million of them are children. Sir Mo says, “While many people feel powerless and look away, Catholic sisters are doing the work daily, bravely, humbly, across communities all over the world.” He continues to say, “whatever faith or values we hold, we can look to these women for wisdom and inspiration.” 

The 2023 Laureates were: Sister Seli Thomas from India, receiving the Common Good Award; Sister Francoise Jiranonda from Thailand, receiving the Servant Leadership Award; and Sister Patricia Ebegbulem of Nigeria, receiving The Human Dignity Award, for lifetime achievement in addressing exploitation. You can view their remarkable stories or read this article from Global Sisters Report.

Consider nominating a well-deserving Catholic Sister in 2024.