"Women, rise up!"

Editorial

      One of the objectives of the Millennium for Development, in which our vocation as MSOLA very specially invites us to take part, concerns the improvement of the status of women. A large number of studies show that "poverty has a woman's face". This poverty often forces women to accept all offers of employment that seem to open a door to a future apparently better than the one that awaits them in their own country. It is this aspect of the subject that is addressed in a large part of the issue of Sharing you are receiving today. "Women, rise up!" is an appeal for help that concerns all of us, whatever the area of our apostolate - our activity, prayer, supplication, etc. Through the trafficking of human beings, people trading in women, young girls and children for the purposes of sexual exploitation, sale of organs, drug trafficking, etc.

      Several of us are involved in this kind of activity, which demands both courage - needed to denounce slavery - delicacy and know-how. Three sisters have agreed to share their current experience, which you will find in the first section of this issue. It is in Europe and America that they are at present pursuing their task, by dedicating a fair proportion of their energy to it. Whether it involves conscientisation or addressing directly national or international authorities or people that are involved in this hideous trade, these sisters are inspired by our Founder's anti-slavery appeal launched in 1888 - exactly 120 years ago - throughout the whole of Europe. That action of the Cardinal is recalled in the "Walk through the archives".

      Three other sisters have spontaneously described what they are experiencing in their daily contacts with women in distress where they are based. Thus, in "Sharing Life", you can read testimonies from the United States, Germany and Mauritania. These testimonies are completed by a "Do you know?" about the different juridical methods by means of which certain legal systems seek to channel prostitution without attacking the real problems which are at its source. Life is also shared through the missionary and vocational animation (MVA) in Kosovo: a first time for us!

      In a quite different line of thought, Claire Bélanger, who remains in touch with Sharing and its publication, presents the programme of festivities organized in Quebec to mark the 400th anniversary of the foundation of the city. This is a "Do you know?" which brings us closer together.

      As usual, the rest of the issue presents various "Communications". One of these is of particular importance. It concerns a joint letter composed at a recent meeting by the General Councils of the MSOLA and the MAfr. The letter refers to the collaboration between our two Institutes and announces one of the initiatives involving both of our respective publications, Petit Echo and Sharing Trentaprile. A number of our communities already receive Petit Echo and, from now on, Sharing will be sent regularly to more than 40 MAfr communities.  Moreover, as from October this year, our two bulletins will publish the reflection of a MAfr and a MSOLA on a subject of common interest.

      As some people have noticed, the first issue of 2008 saw the front page of Sharing noticeably transformed. A number of letters and messages arrived at the Generalate expressing satisfaction with the resultant improvement, due to good collaboration within the team and with the printers, who have been responsible for the printing for a year now.  May all those who expressed satisfaction be assured of our gratitude!

      You will receive this Sharing Trentaprile during Eastertide. May the lasting joy of the Resurrection light up your hearts and spirits, whatever your present situation. It is to provide life in its fullness that the Lord is risen!

Lucie Pruvost

"WOMEN, RISE UP!"

THE POWER OF CONSCIENTIZATION

    
     It is often said that prevention is better than cure.  I learned that truth in 1995 when Sr. Catharina van Kaam, MSOLA, was on a short visit to Tamale, Ghana, representing the Dutch Foundation of Women Religious Against Trafficking in Women (SRTV) (1) , of which she is a member.

      The reason for her visit was to raise awareness of the hideous problem of human trafficking, as well as to get a person to serve as a link between the SRTV and Ghana. Much to my great surprise she asked me if I would accept to be that person.  My first reaction was quite emphatically "No".  How could I do such a work when I knew nothing about human trafficking? Besides that, I was just starting a new project called Collaboration With Women In Distress (COLWOD) that was fully taking up my time and energy.

      Catharina's response was: "all you have to do is use our leaflets to raise awareness about trafficking". The leaflets explain the possible dangers involved in migrating to Northern and Western Europe. Sr. Catharina was not about to go back to Holland without having a positive response from me. And so, as I look back, I realize that moment was a call from the Lord to accept the challenge to learn about modern-day slavery, and to get fully involved in doing something about it.

From that day on, Cardinal Lavigerie became my mentor and source of encouragement and strength in the fight against human trafficking. In 1888, at the request of Pope Leo XIII, our founder made a tour of European capitals. His first task was to make the world aware of the horrors of the African slave trade and to form in the different countries of Europe associations or committees that would continue to reveal this state of affairs in the press and through public addresses. With his first task accomplished, arousing public opinion, Lavigerie turned to the main task, which was to abolish slavery and its ravages.

      As I undertook the fight against human trafficking, I found the strategy of our founder very attractive: "to make the world aware of the horrors of the African slave-trade". Therefore, with the help of the leaflets, I travelled throughhout Ghana raising awareness in churches, schools, women's religious Congregations, other women's groups, villages, and wherever an opportunity presented itself. One such opportunity was the Ghana Episcopal Conference in 2003. Coupled with that were interviews on radio and TV, and for newspapers. 

      The message definitely got around, judging by feedback given by SRTV Chairwoman, Sr. Scholastica, who visited Ghana in 2005. She writes in TRANSactions, SRTV Newsletter of July 2005:  "Sr. Constance Gemme had for years done pioneering work in this field before returning home.  She had been using our material, among others our English language leaflets. She had also established contact with very many persons, organizations, schools and churches. It struck me that the war on trafficking in humans was widely known, especially in medical and social circles as well as in church and educational organizations."

      The conscientization had positive results. One young lady came to tell us her father was about to send her to Accra to a friend who would then send her overseas to continue her secondary school because he could no longer afford the tuition. She said she had seen one of our leaflets and did not want to become a victim. We helped her by giving her training in computer science. 

      Another young lady after training as a hairdresser received an appointment letter to go overseas to continue her trade there, where she would make more money. She was sent to us and we told her of the dangers of accepting the offer.  It took much time and scrutiny of the leaflet to convince her.  Finally she decided not to go. Since most of the embassies were already aware of the problem of trafficking, we sent a copy of her appointment letter to the American Embassy, Immigration Office. The case eventually led to a Nigerian smuggling ring. Eight women, ages 15 to 19, were brought from Nigeria to Ghana where they were housed at "drop houses" waiting to be granted Ghana passports and sent overseas. They were not aware they would be worked as prostitutes, drug runners, or both by the smugglers. As a result of investigations three Ghanaian citizens were arrested, one businessman - the principal smuggler - and two Federal employees who supplied the passports. These 11 young women were saved by conscientizing activities. It is so important to stop the potential victims before they get caught in the whirlwind of human trafficking. Once they are in the hands of traffickers their lives are as good as ruined in body, mind, and spirit.

      Eventually some volunteers joined me in the work against human trafficking. NGOs (Non Government Organizations) were organized in three different regions in the country to continue the fight against human trafficking before my definitive departure from Ghana in 2004. Two of these NGOs persevered in their mission and the members told me of the many victims rescued when I went back to Ghana in 2007.

      SUHUF or "Friends of Suffering Humanity", built a rescue home for victims of human trafficking, especially children. Children in Ghana are very often trafficked to work in the fishing industries along the Volta Lake area, or as servants within the country, sometimes over borders and sometimes overseas.  Mr. Omar Mahamoud, Executive Director of SUHUF, wrote in a recent report: "So far, during the past four years, SUHUF has rescued as many as 53 girls, most of whom are minors. It is unfortunate, but important to tell you, that the very persons who are supposed to protect our women and children, are guilty of selling and also using them for pornography."  Some of the minors who were rescued, were found by a worker of  SUHUF in a bus at a transport yard, before the traffickers were able to take them away. 

      The second NGO, Center for Initiative Against Human Trafficking (CIAHT), has in the past five years, inaugurated several Anti-Human Trafficking Clubs in Senior High Schools. From July to September 2007, another five schools were included.

      They also established micro-financing projects in villages of five regions to help women ensure food security and generate income. Mr. Abdulai Danaah, Executive Director writes: "This will help reduce massive movement of people to the south to engage in "kayaye" (women and young girls transporting, on their heads, heavy goods in marketplaces) and eventually fall victim of human trafficking. It also stops parents from selling their children to traffickers due to financial difficulties."

      Once arrived in the United States, I felt the call to continue work against human trafficking. The question was: "Where to start?" It is very difficult and dangerous to try to work directly with victims, especially those working as sex slaves, because they are hidden away and very tightly protected by the traffickers. Therefore, I continue to conscientize about modern-day slavery in schools, women's groups, and various media.

      It is still a revelation to many Americans that such a thing is going on even in their own backyards.  "In the summer of 2004, when more than 60 victims were found in Long Island, NY, local residents were shocked. Human trafficking had been going on in their backyards for two years, and they had not known it." (Mary Ellen Dougherty in Preying on the Margins(2)i.

      Since that time many more people have become aware of the problem and if they suspect someone is a victim of trafficking, they can call the Trafficking Information and Referral Hotline at 1.888.3737.888. Because of this hotline many victims have been identified and released.

      Recently I was in Ghana to attend the dedication of the Constance Gemme Rescue Home for victims of human trafficking. One of my greatest joys during that stay was to witness how the fight against modern-day slavery was continuing with the groups I had been working with in the past. I met with new people who are joining the struggle and doing their part to fight this form of slavery. One of these is a Sister of a local religious community, who rescues young girls and hides them in a shelter when necessary.

      While in Ghana there was an opportunity for me to give 13 presentations regarding human trafficking in three different areas of the country.  Most of the groups that viewed the film of a Ghanaian victim of trafficking, requested copies so they could use it in turn to create awareness in their classrooms or other areas.  One of our sisters, Sr. Alice Bangnidong has, since then, used it in her vocation camp.  She said the seven young women were very moved and felt challenged to do something when they returned home.

      The importance of conscientization can never be stressed enough. It is imperative that in order to put an end to human trafficking we need to join hands in the fight against it. I believe that, together with action against it, modern-day slavery is one of those demons, that needs prayer and fasting in order to be expelled.

Constance Gemme, Holyoke

________________________
(1) Stichting Religieuzen Tegen Vrouwenhandel - Dutch Foundation of the Religious against trafficking in Women
(2) M.E. Dougherty, School Sister of Notre Dame, is on the staff of the Migration and Refugee Services of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

 

AGAINST TRAFFICKING IN WOMEN

SRTV   (Stichting Religieuzen Tegen Vrouwenhandel
Dutch Foundation of the Religious against trafficking in Women)

In 1991, the initiative was taken to form a national network of religious against trafficking in women, to show actively solidarity with oppressed women.

OBJECTIVES

      The foundation: SRTV was set up to combat the growing traffic in women and the corresponding forced prostitution.  Its first objective is to work on prevention and information dissemination. It is also the foundation's intention to contribute to the creation of a respectable future for the victims of this trade.

      The SRTV has at present 25 members, including religious women and men from 13 different congregations, and both Protestant and Catholic lay people. A number of them have been active in different developing countries. Their multicultural experience and their contacts are very valuable. Religious women and men have always had a worldwide network, and this network is being informed about and activated to assist in the fight against trafficking in women. All members of the Association have collaborated in many awareness activities through which the SRTV contributed to the growing national and international conscientization relating to women trafficking.

CONFERENCE IN THAILAND

      In answer to an invitation of the Asian Church Women Conference (ACWC), Sister Martha van den Burgt (Franciscan Sister) and I participated in a conference of women in Thailand as delegates of our workgroup (SRTV). This conference is held every four years, to which delegates of all Asian Christian Churches are invited. Nineteen countries were represented.

      From the daily Bible study and the reactions in the small group discussions, the actual situation of the Eastern women became clear. Through the patriarchal structures, women are hindered to enlarge their views. There are barriers, such as fear, being obliged to be submissive, the need to be always subservient, lack of development that makes emancipation seem to be far away. The laws established by men are most of the time unfavourable for women. For Christian women there is still another factor. They are in a minority with a predominance of Buddhism and Islam. Much pain is hidden under the beautiful Eastern clothing.

      Two hundred Christian women from all kinds of Christian Churches attended the conference. Many of them have an important position in their Church. They are either confirmed as preacher or have received an ordination. In the conversations, one noticed how militant they are and how much good they realize in the community.

      At the conference, we were able to speak about our working group. Members of our working group (SRTV) have contacts with prostitutes in Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam.

      Among them are trafficked women from the Philippines and other Asian countries. We even had the opportunity of giving a lecture during the official opening. We worked with the English speaking information video, made by SRTV and STV, in which a woman from the Philippines and a Russian woman tell their story. Our work made a deep impression on the participants. Many of them had no idea of trafficking in women and the consequences on Asian women who become entangled in this. Many of the participants asked us for more information and how they could help us. Especially from the side of Australia and America, the interest was great.

      After the conference, we visited the Sisters of the Good Shepherd in Bangkok. They have five centres for women in Thailand. These centres are situated on the outskirts of the town in the area of the poor. Here they offer shelter for girls having left prostitution and for unmarried mothers.

      They can learn trades such as sewing, cooking, hairdressing, pedicure, bookkeeping and others, enabling them to find work later or start a small business for themselves. The sisters started a workshop, where women work for a clothing shop, and so earn an income.

      Pattaya is a famous (disreputable) town for tourists, a paradise for sex tourism. Here one can see in the evening, in the open bars, lines of girls seated who offer themselves for money. Obliged by poverty, parents send their children in the street to earn some money. Very young children are sold for US Dollar 400. Sex Tourists and traffickers have here a large choice. In the evening and the following morning, we saw white men with the small, slender, beautiful Thai girls, with whom they spent their holidays.

      A group of young Thai sisters works here for these women and girls. They showed us a video with the story of a prostitute. Some quotations from the film: "I close my eyes and ears and think that it is not me. After every night I cry. Could I only be free as a bird!"

      At the airport in the evening, we saw six white men, each with a Thai girl. Two girls boarded the plane. To the others we gave a Thai brochure, hoping that it might be useful for them.

      The main cause of all this misery is poverty and unemployment. To cancel these, through an honest distribution of resources and wealth is in fact, the first requirement.

CONCLUDING

      I gladly thank the poor for all they mean to us. I realise that the poor are far from being holy: they are sinners as well as the rich. Nevertheless I am deeply convinced that their presence challenges us to be faithful to our vocation of being really human, which means divine. The first lesson in the Hindu catechism is: "I came from God, I live in God, and I become one in God. The truth, I am the truth which I search for." People must see clearly the message of Jesus the Good Shepherd in the life of others. They must see us as persons witnessing to God in word and deed. We cannot put forward our point of view in a credible and effective way, if our words are not translated into action and if our mission does not originate from a deep relationship with God.

Catharina van Kaam, Boxtel Molenweik

WOMEN, STAND UP!

      What pushed me to a special interest in Women in Distress was the commitment made by the International Union of Major Superiors (USIG), in Rome, inviting the religious of the whole world to unite themselves as one against the trafficking of women and children. In June 2004, the Canadian Religious Conference (CRC) representing 23,000 women and men religious of Canada decided to make the fight against the trafficking of women and children also a priority action for its own members.

      For my part, it is in January 2005 that I participated in an information session on the trafficking of women and children (we were 12 MSOLA). In Quebec, three Congregations - the Congregation of Notre Dame (CND), the Sisters of Saint-Anne (SSA) and the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) - in September 2004 had formed the group:  Committee for Action against the Trafficking of Humans, internally and internationally (CATHII). For me, and for us, MSOLA, it was a question of joining in with this network. One CND sister, member of CATHII, took the initiative of creating for the smaller Congregations a group calling itself "Fleur en Péril ("Flower in Peril"). We were about ten uniting our efforts of conscientization and information, to share with our respective groups the progress made by CATHII and at the ONU to which these Congregations have access. This is what I do through our group: JPIC (Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation).

      The persons targeted are immigrants who have been persuaded that employment is waiting for them, and that their financial status would be improved allowing them to help their family members who remain at home. Here in Canada, we find these persons among family assistants, in the massage parlours and in prostitution.

      The distress area that interested me most was prostitution, the hyper sexualisation of young girls and the violence directed against women, the "new slavery of modern times". This violence reminds me of my last years in Democratic Republic of Congo.

      My mission is first of all to get informed on all situations with persons who have contact with these women made vulnerable by their life problems. It is then a matter of conscientizing the MSOLA communities; of participating in lobbying where we can meet with the elected officials so that laws voted may be applicable and applied; to work with different coalitions and to participate in their meetings of formation and information.            

      With the CUM-JPIC delegates, in our meetings and through the Internet, we get informed and follow the legislative developments of the country to protect the victims. We sign petitions related to the problems of trafficking and the violence done to women.

We pray in solidarity with the victims and with all the persons who, worldwide, fight this scourge. This is our role as multipliers within our communities, our families and in our surroundings.

      I respond to various invitations from CLES (Collaborators in the struggle against sexual exploitation), from the CRC (Canadian Religious Conference), and from FFQ (Federation of Quebec Women). These groups help us to perceive more deeply the problem and to keep us informed about positive steps to be taken when facing these distresses.

      This year, we have had three meetings of conscientization with CLES at the client level especially through the films Chaos of Coline Serreau, Human Traffic  of Duguay and The Clients of Hubert Dubois and Elsa Brunet. The meeting of last November had the title: "What is new in the prostitution file?"

      The women who are actually in prostitution merit solidarity and respect. All women have the right to live in a world where prostitution is not needed for survival, for an attempt to get out of alienation. We refuse to endorse the merchandizing of the woman's body by procurers and mediators or to condone the sexist and racist market imposed by our society. These hot files concern all women and we are concerned with our sisters who struggle for the protection of their rights.

URGENT QUESTIONS AND ACTIONS

      The political parties want to legalise prostitution especially before the Olympic Games of Vancouver in 2010.  We must be informed and unite our actions. Stella, a group strongly supporting the prostitutes, brings together 2 to 5 % of these. We must work with the remaining 95% of the women who are forced to exercise the so-called 'profession'!

      The question of lodgings also poses itself for the victims. We are thinking of an inter-congregational network with organisms and contributors/speakers. The Government of Quebec has deposited a report at the end of December 2007. This would assure financing professional personnel, psychologically and medically, for the security of travellers, and the tracing for  immigrants in the hands of traffickers.

      We are very conscious of the impact of this scourge. That is why we dedicate all our energies to this task aiming at enabling all women to "stand up".

Michelle Plante, Montreal, rue Fullum

SHARING LIFE

OUR WORK WITH VICTIMS OF ABUSE
women and children (link: victims)

      The readers of Sharing Trentaprile have already on several occasions found Lea in her concern for women in distress. Everywhere possible, she has put all in motion to meet and defend them against the criminals who exploit them. In 2003, already (n° 3 p. 64-65) Lea had presented her work to SOLWODI (Solidarity with women in distresss), which she created in 1980 to receive young women subject to sexual tourism in Kenya. When she had to leave that country in 1987, Lea pursued her action in Germany, where this led to her receiving several distinctions, for example in 2006, the Ketteler award (STA 2007.1 p.10). Today, SOLWODI has spread to different countries with a certain number of lay persons and religious picking up the challenge.

      Il was good to make this recall of Lea, in this issue consecrated to women who are now able to lift up their heads and stand up, thanks to the action of some MSOLA.

FIGHTING THE PLAGUE OF INTERNATIONAL PROSTITUTION

      Every year, 4 million people find themselves in situations of "sexual traffic". This generates a profit of 7 billion dollars. Among those people, a growing number of women are victims of "human traffic". There are organised networks where women are misled, and there are also those who take advantage of the situation of poverty in third world countries to bring young women to Germany and to use them as sexual objects.

SOLWODI (Solidarity with Women in Distress) was founded by Sr. Lea to fight against this plague and to help those who are victims. Today a network of volunteers collaborates in this organisation. The police, neighbours or the women themselves go to SOLWODI, which provides juridical assistance and protection.

Solwodi helps these women to declare themselves openly before the judge, since, illegally in the country, they are afraid. Solwodi has succeeded in obtaining changes in certain German laws so that these women, even if illegally in the country, cannot be expelled since they are victims of a more serious offence.

If the women desire to return to their country, Solwodi helps them financially in view of a formation. When they return home, communities of religious accompany and support them. There are people from 95 countries who collaborate with Solwodi. One of the roles of Solwodi consists in informing the German public of this sexual exploitation of women.

 Our Web site

GO, TELL ALL MY SISTERS...

When I meet an immigrant on my way and he/she tells me, "I suffer. Here in Mauritania without having money or work, life is difficult..."  I feel my heart rebelling. In fact, I feel pity and interiorly I react with a question: "Why leaving one's country?" The answers vary according to the motivations of each one. For myself, have I not left my own country the Congo?

      Number 2007.4 of Sharing Tentaprile spoke clearly about immigrants. So now I would like to share with you my experience lived in Nouadhibou with Sifa, one of my compatriots. I would like especially to pass on the message of my friend. Even while understanding her situation, I strongly encouraged her to return to the Congo or to do something different, like other immigrant women who are helped by the Sisters of Bethany, rather than attempt to leave for Europe with her five month old baby girl. All in vain! My words did not turn her from her goal.

      When we met, Sifa told me: "You cannot imagine my feelings right now. My heart is sad, even in despair, but your presence consoles me. It is as if I were seeing someone from my own family, to pass on my message not only to my sisters, but also to all Congolese. You have the possibility of returning to our country, do you not?" - "Yes, Sifa!"

      And Sifa continues, "Go, tell all my sisters never to think of leaving our country even if there is a way to go elsewhere, especially to Europe, so that they do not have to go through all these misfortunes. Those who have the chance to go there say that they are welcomed. That is what my friend wrote to me, and that is what encouraged me to leave. But before arriving, what sufferings, what misery and often in vain! I had money which enabled me to take a plane. At my arrival here the 'navigators' asked me to give them a sum of money to take me. I did. But up to now I am here. How can I press charges against these people without landing up in prison myself? I met a man who told me that he would help me get documents. He only deceived me! What I received from him, was this baby whom I pity, she did not choose to be born or to go to Europe and maybe die on the sea. If I could have imagined all these sufferings, I would have stayed in the Congo. A few days ago some men, neighbours who see my suffering, told me that they would bring me to Spain. It is the unique solution. If not, how can I return to the Congo having nothing left?"

      I just sat there listening to my friend. She was like in a pit, in chaos. I was very much affected by her tale. How to listen, to be present to her with compassion, even while remaining myself and not becoming fused with her? That is the trap, to truly listen to the other with sympathy, or to listen becoming her. So I prayed, "Lord, I feel my misery, my helplessness, but give me the word or the quality of presence which may sow some hope, and comfort the one who is before me in such great need!"  Sifa asked for my address, saying that if two months passed without me hearing from her, I would understand everything. She was crying as she wrote my address, beseeching me to bring her message to all the Congolese women who might have the idea of leaving...

      A few days later, Sifa left. When the group arrived in Morocco, they fell into a military control. They were caught. She was put in prison with her critically sick baby. Anyway, my sisters, we have 'work to do'!  Here at home, how and with whom to live all this? I see before me Jesus who, having compassion on the multitude, told his disciples, "The harvest is rich, and the labourers few, so pray..."

Emerite Kiloba  Nouakchott (Mauritania)

 

A GREAT CONCERN WITHIN ME FOR AFRICAN WOMEN

      Being an African American woman by birth and having been called by the grace of Christ to embrace religious life as a Missionary Sister of Our Lady of Africa, there has always been a great concern within me for African women, both on the continent and those living in countries where I have lived: England, Italy, and here in the United States.

      Any kind of care and concern given to African women was, I feel, minimal until my return to the USA. Since my coming to Indianapolis (USA), our Bishop has started an African Commission. Many opportunities have manifested themselves. These might seem minimal to those of you who are daily involved in never ending activities. Each encounter for me is a blessing and a victory.  There has been, and there is always a need to listen, perhaps write a letter, make a phone call, giving assistance in different ways: raising funds for someone who is trying to start a clinic in a village in Uganda, work along with the African Religious and African lay women on projects to make the African Community better known, and above all, better understood, participate in the preparation of African liturgies and celebrations and attend them, telling the story of Africa and its peoples to all who will listen. These activities are often not understood, even misunderstood here in America, where the past  "picture painted" has been very negative.

      Being part of the Africa Faith and Justice Network makes that my voice, one among others, is not alone in making phone calls, that I am not alone in writing letters and pointing out the positive aspects of the African continent and of its peoples, in speaking in the name of justice.

      At present, we are about 305 men and women, mostly African, who meet once a month to discuss the issues the African Immigrants are facing and to find ways of assisting them in their needs. This is a rewarding endeavour. The acceptance of one another had to overcome and still has to overcome hurdles of mistrust, misunderstanding, and even sometimes the feeling of some that there is not enough being done.

Demetria, Indianapolis, USA

A FIRST...  IN KOSOVO!

      Chantal Vankalck, Afërdita Dushaj, postulant, and Laurence Huard - we are the first MSOLA to be sent to this young country for an MVA mission and encounter with the family of Afërdita before her first departure for Africa, in Mauritania, on 25 March! We, the MSOLA, spent officially two weeks in the Balkans!

      We arrive three days after the declaration of Independence. Except for the presence of the KFOR (armed forces maintaining peace since 2000, after the war which opposed the Serbs and the Albanians of Kosovo), we do not feel any tensions. Cities have been reconstructed. New houses, many still not finished, stand in the countryside. Few signs of war remain visible: ruins of Serb houses left by their inhabitants, some association headquarters burned to a cinder. It is especially the families who carry the aftermaths of the massacres, which took place here nine years ago  (fathers, brothers and sons are absent) and the cemeteries filled with the names of young men who died without being able to fight. Television transmits memorial ceremonies.

      We have three days of encounters in the parish, as foreseen and prepared by Afërdita and Chantal, with a visit to the Bishop of Kosovo.  We have one day to find on the spot a projector with which to give our slideshow in Albanian, presenting our Congregation and our life in Africa. The priest supposed to lend it to us is absent, and we almost had to go to Pristina, the capital, to rent one! With a few phone calls, Afërdita finally finds a good contact, a local television station "Syri Vision" (a bit of well-deserved publicity!). At 20 p. m. on Saturday evening, we have the promise to have a projector for the next day! We fall asleep with this hope late that night! The family of Afërdita, with whom we were lodging, share our anxieties and our hopes!

      The following day, at the agreed time, a young Moslem (97% of the population) technician awaits us with all the equipment. He will be the one to assist us, after the mass, with our whole presentation! The priest, Don Lush, friend of Afërdita, is very encouraging. He introduces us to his parish and invites us to speak. Afërdita must translate everything, with the exception of "hello", "good day" (mirdita), "thank you" (falaminderit) and a few other words, we are very poor... There is great attention in the church, which is full during this time of Lent. The men on one side, women on the other, all listen to us surprised that we do not wear the veil.

      After a half hour and a power failure, Don Lush invites the parishioners to recite the prayer to Our Lady of Africa, translated by Afërdita into Albanian, and distributed by two small girls. Afterwards, as they are coming out, a host of women and young girls press around us to touch us, to greet us, to encourage us, asking us to pray for them. The silence of the assembly, with their fixed almost cold gazes, has not at all led us to expect this! We conclude all this in the church square with an improvised drum "concert": songs in African and French languages and some with Albanian melodies. A wonderful really encouraging ambiance, even more so with a beginning of dialogue with a few girls in English!

Tuesday is the meeting with the Bishop, Dodë Gjerqji, a smiling person. He receives us in his office with much simplicity. He speaks to us in English which he does not totally master, but making this effort to communicate directly with us: a gesture of welcome and humility as much for our initiative in coming, as for the journey of "his daughter" Afërdita in our Congregation. We leave with his blessing.

      Friday, after several visits in families and parishes, thanks to Don Lush who has piloted us around and to acquaintances of Afërdita, we travel to a Croat village in the east of Kosovo. Situated in the mountains, the village appears far from everything. The parish priest, Dom Matëj has from the beginning dreamed of leaving as a missionary to Africa.  He does not really need us to speak of Africa to his parishioners. We are in territory already conquered to the cause! A power failure occurs at the very beginning of our slideshow translated into Croatian... New performance of "our postulant"! During the time it takes to plug in a generator, we improvise the singing of the prayer to Our Lady of Africa, accompanied by the drum; already Chantal has no more voice, the cold has got hold of her! We then have a musical evening among the parish priest, some youth, and ourselves. Don Matëj accepts with joy to be our correspondent in Kosovo for receiving and accompanying young women who are considering a missionary vocation in Africa: welcome, first accompaniment, link with the Congregation.

      Second Sunday, a new parish: Don Tom welcomes us. No electricity, no slide show, more spontaneity, we try to witness to our love for Christ and for Africa through narratives of our own lives lived there and of the call we experienced. Chantal directly challenges the youth: "If you have a desire, express it, do not let it be extinguished!" Here also, encounters after the mass and expressions of sympathy from the parishioners. Chantal autographs prayers to Our Lady of Africa!

      Our stay is coming to an end. Afërdita's parents have received us like two daughters of the family. The "farewells" are full of emotions: not easy to let your daughter go so far away, towards the unknown, when aging and sickness are at hand! We leave saying, "Why not? We have sown, others shall reap!" The adventure is only beginning. Thanks to all of you for your prayers, which we felt so present, and for the messages of encouragement!

Laurence Huard

WALK THROUGH THE ARCHIVES

THE FIGHT OF THE CARDINAL AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING

      Before even beginning to send in 1878 the first MAfr into Central Africa, Uganda and Tanganyika, Mgr. Lavigerie had already heard much about the slave trade going on in the region. He was very much aware of the major obstacles that this situation brought in opposition to the social development of the people it afflicted. His attention was caught by the narratives of the British explorers in Central Africa: D. Livingstone, doctor and missionary pastor (1813-1873), the Lieutenant V.L. Cameron (1844-1894), H.M. Stanley (1841-1904), R. Burton (1821-1890), J.H. Speke (1827-1864) and those of the Portuguese traveller M. Pinto (1509-1583) etc. Even before sending any of "his sons", he had thus discovered the vastness of the scourge which subsequent reports would make him understand the dimensions.

      Europe had made a first step in fighting against the "Atlantic trade" involving Africans being shipped off to the Caribbean's, with Denmark forbidding this trafficking as of 1804. It must be said that between the 15th and the 19th centuries, the "Atlantic trade" had touched a total of approximately 11 million persons. On 5 May 1888, Pope Leon XIII sent an Encyclical to the Bishops of Brazil to congratulate Brazil. This, in communion with the Pope's golden jubilee of priesthood, had decreed the "liberation of a large number of those who, in that vast empire, groan under the yoke of servitude". (1)

      These actions against the "Atlantic trade" had not succeeded in diminishing the "Oriental Trade" practised in the interior of Africa and directed Eastward since ancient times. Arab traders supplied by the African potentates, had carried on the trade from the 8th century onwards. Though they were Moslems, they had no concern for the Koran's demands to free the slaves. In the 19th century it was possible to say that this trade had affected a total of about 17 million Africans. In 1839, an Antislavery Society launched from London a European campaign destined to push for an interdiction concerning slavery from the Colonial powers in their colonies in Africa. Finally in November 1889, Brussels convened the "International Conference for the suppression of the Slave Trade" was held in Brussels.

      But our founder had anticipated this Conference. On 21 May 1888, he had received a special mandate form Leon XIII, whom he had met on the occasion of a special audience for the "African Pilgrimage", where he could present to the Pope some young African pilgrims among whom were some young Africans (Dr. Adrien Attiman was one of them) who had been bought out of slavery. Referring to the Encyclical of the preceding May, Lavigerie explained, "They have all been violently torn from their families, separated from their fathers and their mothers whom they more often than not saw massacred before their eyes (...) All were sold like cattle, and if the missionaries sent by You ten years ago had not been there to buy them in the name of the Church (...), they would still be under the yoke and the beatings of masters without pity, or even dead from their sufferings on the dry desert sands!" (2)

      In his response, Leon XIII also recalled from his Encyclical, "We invite and wholeheartedly commit all those who have any power at hand, to put an end to this hideous trafficking called the "Negro trade", and to use whatever means they have to end this scourge dishonouring the human race." He then recommended to "all the missionaries who preach the Holy Gospel, to consecrate all their energies, even their very lives, to this work of redemption (...) to buy back as many slaves as possible... But it is on you especially, Monsignor Cardinal, that we count on for the success of the difficult works and missions of Africa."(3) The Church thus committed itself to the fight which would increasingly become militant during the 20th century, and which would receive full confirmation at the Vatican II. It is this same struggle which our sisters today engage in as they fight against the trafficking of women.

      On the strength of this mandate from the Pope, the Cardinal immediately launched an antislavery campaign throughout Europe. It is as a human being and a Christian that he called for action. "Slavery as it is practised in Africa is not only contrary to the Gospel, it is contrary to our natural rights... The laws of nature do not apply only to Christians, they concern all humans... I am human; injustice towards other persons revolts my heart. I am human; oppression makes me indignant. I am human; this cruelty towards such a large number of my fellow beings fills me with horror. I am human, and that which I would like to be done on my behalf to give me liberty and honour, sacred family bonds, I want to do in order to restore to this unfortunate race its family, honour and liberty."

      He addresses himself to Catholic audiences such as in Paris (the church of St. Sulpice, 1st July), in Brussels (the church of St. Gudule, 15 August), and finally in Rome (the Gesù church, 28 December). There were ecumenical groups as well, such as in London (Prince's Hall, 31 July). He raises everywhere the subject of the African slave trade, describes the causes of the increase in the last quarter century and proposes possible means of abolishment. But he also knows how to adapt his arguments to the public he faces. In London for example, he recalls the role played in India by the British; in Belgium, that of King Leopold in the Congo. In the churches, he recalls the Christian doctrine of the equality of all human beings. In Brussels, he recalls the parable of the good seed and the weeds (Mt 13: 24-30), reproaching the Belgian Catholics of having fallen asleep: "You have not given from the religious viewpoint, with the diffusion of Christian light, the full support in the  battle against the barbarity, which was your duty." In Rome, he recalls the slavery of ancient times (6).

      The campaign extends itself into the creation of antislavery committees across the whole of Western Europe. Lavigerie would often preside the initial meetings. Using his "right of response", he vigorously faced the public press which would often transmit his words in a tendentious and dishonest fashion. He is accused of having launched an anti-Moslem campaign, of which he defends himself: "An article of your newspaper yesterday (...) accuses me of 'wanting to incite secular arms against the Moslems, and to exterminate them under humanitarian pretexts'! I think I am dreaming when I hear such infamies against me. I have never said such a word. I go further, I am horrified. (...) I never (...) raised the slightest cry against any person under the pretext of religion. (...) I have never had, particularly for the Moslems of good faith which most of them are in our Africa, anything but benevolent paternal feelings. (...) The only thing I want to exterminate is the slavery which grievously wounds and will even lose Africa..." (7)

      This combat of the Cardinal is an example for us today, with the inhuman trafficking we are in turn witnessing. It often calls for much courage and energy, and we can only be inspired by our Founder.

Lucie Pruvost

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(1) Léon XIII, " Lettre encyclique In Plurimis adressée aux Evêques du Brésil " Voir S.Em. le Cardinal Lavigerie Documents sur la fondation de l'œuvre antiesclavagiste, pp. 1-27 (St Cloud, Imp. Vve Eugène Belin et Fils, 1889, 715 p. + deux cartes " L'Afrique pour servir à l'intelligence de la lettre de S.E.M. le Cardinal Lavigerie " et " L'esclavage en Afrique ")
(2) Documents... p. 33-34
(3) Documents... p. 34 et 40
(4) Documents... p. 415 et 416
(5) Documents... p. 120-121
(6) Documents... p. 373
(7) " Lettre à M. le Rédacteur en chef du journal La République française ", Documents... p. 175-177

DO YOU KNOW...?

PROSTITUTION AND LEGISLATION

      The trafficking of human beings does not affect only adult women. It can also involve young girls. Its aim is almost always what is called sexual exploitation of the individuals concerned, and the promotion of prostitution and the pornography industry. Trafficking can also have as its objective what is called "modern slavery", which involves exploiting adults or children in clandestine premises. This form of trafficking, which is just as bad as the slave trade against which our Founder launched his anti-slavery campaign, is an often-ignored aspect of international migration - one occupier in 35 is an international immigrant and 48% of international immigrants are women.

      Since the end of the 1990s, the migration of women seems to have expanded, often brought about by networks of  "women-trafficking". Thus, for example, tens of thousands of them are "trafficked" to be forced into prostitution in Europe and North America. The Central Office for the Suppression of Human Trafficking (OCRETH) estimates that around 18,000 women operate as prostitutes in France. By far the largest proportion of these women is from sub-Saharan Africa and the countries of the East.

      According to the UN's definition, the trafficking of women and children "denotes the recruitment, transport, transfer and accommodation or reception of individuals by the threat of force or resort to force or other forms of constraint... Exploitation involves at least organising the prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced work or service... or practices analogous to slavery (...) or the removal of organs. This wide definition of this trade trafficking ought to allow for a crackdown on a wide range of offenders.

      In general terms, "prostitution" occurs whenever someone offers her body to others in return for payment. "Legislation" on prostitution comprises three different systems. In a so-called "prohibitionist" regime, prostitution is forbidden, and its practice always constitutes an offence punishable by law. In an "abolitionist" regime, all regulation is "abolished" and individuals are free to live in ways that seem right to them. Individuals who indulge in prostitution are not held to be "delinquent", provided they do not cause scandal. They are theoretically protected against the "procurers" who sent them into prostitution and received the financial proceeds.

      Finally, in the "regulatory" regime, prostitution can only be practised within the confines of certain regulations. In this situation, an individual who acts within the current regulations may practise prostitution, while someone who acts on the margins of the law becomes "a clandestine person" and risks incurring the sanctions of the law. Under this regime, houses used for "meetings" or houses of call girls are legal. Since the State levies a tax on these women and on the houses they use, it could be said that it, in turn, becomes a real "procurer", since it profits from the prostitution of others.

                                                                 Lucie Pruvost

QUEBEC IS 400 YEARS OLD IN 2008

      From January to October 2008, the city of Quebec will be celebrating with the whole world, in a spectacular way, its 400th anniversary of foundation. Four hundred years ago, on 3 July 1608, Samuel de Champlain settled in Kebec (in the Algonquin language: "Place where the river narrows"). He laid the foundations of what would become the first permanent French colony in North America, and for centuries, one of the most beautiful cities of the continent.

      To celebrate this noteworthy anniversary, Quebec City,(1) world heritage of UNESCO, will be the place of all the meetings, the historical encounter of all cultures, which have marked the four centuries of life and evolution.  On 3 July, a solemn high mass will open the celebrations. Then a succession of activities animated by projections, songs and dances, will give life to the streets and public places of the city.

The moving road: Grand homage to the River
      On the evening of 15 August, under the full moon, a vibrant homage will be given to the "majestic St. Lawrence" under the theme of: 'Encounter of Fire and Water', creators from here and from elsewhere, electronic music and music of the world celebrating our bonds with the river without which Quebec City would not be what it is today.

Encounter with the First Nations (2)
     
      A special programme highlights the contributions of the Amerindians, First Nations of the development of the land, the city of Quebec, the Province of Quebec, and Canada. This will promote a new discovery and appreciation of their wisdom lining up traditional with contemporary lifestyles.
Photo: Hurons in traditional dress

Many threads, one cloth: The Jews of Quebec City From May to October, an exposition with concerts, guided tours and other cultural activities will highlight the integration and participation of the Jewish community in the development of the city.
International presence
      In 2008, Quebec City will host numerous international encounters highlighting each in their own way, the 400th anniversary of the city:
-     From 15 to 22 June, the 49th International Eucharistic Congress will be, for the Catholics of the entire world, an occasion to celebrate their faith in the Eucharist and to witness to the Gospel by living together moments of prayer, of reflection and fraternity.

-     From 10 to 21 August, the 4th Youth World Congress "ReGeneration 2008", will bring together some 600 youth committed to the development of projects in more than 120 countries. A splendid international youth assembly will celebrate art and culture side-by-side with innovation and accomplishment.

-     From 17 to 19 October, the 12th Summit of the Francophones: Conference of Heads of State and Government sharing the French language.

Symphony of 2008 voices
      From 14 to 20 July, a series of concerts will be held in different churches and public places of Quebec City. There will also be a grandiose spectacle, entry free of charge, which will bring together a giant choir composed of 2008 choristers coming from the Province of Quebec and from France.

Marie de l'Incarnation or the Foolishness of Love
>From 16 September to 11 October, a theatre production originating from the correspondence between Marie Guyart (known as Marie de l'Incarnation) and her son Claude will give a touching portrait of a woman who made an impact on her times.

The life and the work of François de Laval 
From 7 May 2008 into March 2009, we will recall the realisations of a man of the Church and of vision who marked the times and the space of the colony. His was a life totally dedicated to the faith and to the New France where everything needed to be built up.

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(1) Quebec refers to the city and to the province of Quebec.
(2) The First Nations (Amerindians) - The reserve Wendake (Huron Village, near Quebec city) is a place that does not differ from another place with houses, satellite dishes, vehicles and people dressed like everywhere else.

Claire Bélanger, Beauport

COMMUNICATIONS

Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa
Missionaries of Africa                             

Dear Sisters and Confreres,

     
      Since 2006, our two General Councils have been coming together to pray, reflect and strengthen mutual bonds of collaboration. You will have noticed it more through the organising of the two days of joint reflection that brought you together, wherever possible.

      These times of reflection were well received and fostered good-natured meetings. Several communities hope to repeat the experience. We will not be writing a booklet for joint reflection this year. We simply invite you to repeat this initiative at your own level.  

      Admittedly, it is always attractive to meet for prayer and celebration. However, why not go further and be creative by taking the time to discover together new ways of working as one at the level of Provinces or Regions?

      We are inspired by the same passion for Mission. The last reflection day demonstrated how we live it in the apostolate and in our missionary and vocation promotion. Other avenues could usefully be explored or developed, as in certain pastoral activities, Internet sites, publications, etc.

      Msola Provinces and Regions receive the "Petit Echo" and pass it round their communities. From now on, Missionary of Africa Provinces and Sectors will receive "Sharing Trentaprile". It is up to those in charge to see how communities can best benefit from this. In this way, we will be mutually enriched by the values and challenges of both our families.

      Twice a year, a Sister will be invited to put forward her thoughts in the "Petit Echo" on a subject of common interest, in order to improve our mutual understanding. A confrere will do likewise for the "Sharing Trentaprile". This input will begin with the October 2008 issue. These are only two of the initiatives on the part of both Councils, but, as has been mentioned above, others may be taken on the local level.

      May the Spirit of the Risen Christ unite us further in the service of the same Mission!    

 

Both General Councils