On February 8, 2023, the Vatican officially recognized the Lay Salvatorians as an Association of the Faithful (ICDS). The General Committee has therefore decided to celebrate this day as a feast day for the Lay Salvatorians in the future and invites all units to join in the celebration. Of course, such a new holiday must first be introduced to the members, so we should not expect too much for the time being. But whatever you plan to do by your own or as a group on this day, you are not alone in celebrating. And this is what we all need to realize: that we are one worldwide community.
Happy Recognition Day!
El 8 de febrero de 2023, el Vaticano reconoció oficialmente a los Laicos Salvatorianos como Asociación de Fieles (ICDS). Por lo tanto, el Comité General ha decidido celebrar este día como fiesta de los Laicos Salvatorianos en el futuro e invita a todas las unidades a unirse a la celebración. Por supuesto, una fiesta tan nueva debe ser introducida primero a los miembros, por lo que no debemos esperar demasiado por el momento. Pero sea lo que sea lo que planees hacer por tu cuenta o en grupo en este día, no estás solo en la celebración. Y esto es lo que todos debemos comprender: que somos una comunidad mundial.
¡Feliz Día del Reconocimiento!
It is noteworthy that the ICDS is being recognized on the International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery. Many members of the Salvatorian Family, especially the Salvatorian Sisters and Lay Salvatorians, have been working for a long time against the many forms of these criminal, inhumane, and exploitative activities. We are therefore pleased that these two days of celebration and remembrance coincide.
Meanwhile, the portrait of St. Josephine Bakhita is known in many areas of the world. Her life is an example and may open our eyes to the crime and the victims of human trafficking and modern slavery. Therefore the catholic church celebrates annually February 8th as a day of reminder and awareness. Many Catholics worldwide are encouraged to host or attend prayer services and devotions to create greater awareness about this disgrace of mankind – which is still present and happens frequently hidden in our neighborhood, sometimes closer than we would expect. Through prayer, we not only reflect on the experiences of those who have suffered through this affront to human dignity but also comfort, strengthen, bring respect again, and help empower victims of today. Because they need our attention, our awareness, and stand up against this kind of crime.
This time we may offer a common prayer vigil in several languages as far as you have an interest. You will find the prayer material for 2025 here to download →
https://preghieracontrotratta.org/
