God's Call

Sometimes God’ call is unavoidable. It just comes knocking on the door. That was the case for Sister Eugenia Bonetti. He first call took her from Rome to Africa where she worked for 24 years. When she returned to Rome, she responded to another call.

A young woman came to the door begging for help. She had escaped from her captors who had made her a sex slave. She was a Christian and asked the sisters to pray. This encounter opened Sister Bonetti’s eyes to the extent of the evil of human trafficking. She has been helping to open others’ eyes ever since.

Her own congregation now has 250 sisters working to provide safe havens and rehabilitation for these victims of modern slavery. She has connected with sisters around the world and organized them into a network of support and service. She has pushed governments to catch up with the church.

Eleanor Gaeten, senior coordinator for public policy in at the US State Department said it was faith-based groups and women such as Sister Bonetti who first brought the issue to the attention of lawmakers and government officials. These sisters were the ones visiting the slaves in detention and following up with them when they were released.

The sisters have the background of working with the poor. They are more trusted than the police. They have that welcoming and comforting maternal presence. A great need meets a compassionate heart. What a perfect fit.

Peter


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