Focus for February:  Married Saints

Louis and Zelie Martin - Parents of St. Therese of Lisieux

The first married couple to be canonized together
Canonized: October 18, 2015
Beatified: October 19, 2008
In today's society marriage is constantly under attack. The latest assault has been the secular attempt to redefine marriage. Marriages are also crumbling from within.
Louis and Zélie Martin give an example of life lived in the footsteps of Christ. They are a model of holiness lived as lay people even though they each wished to join the clergy.  They worked courageously, shared their income with the poor, overcame trials, put the Lord first, courageously accepted illness, and offered their children to God. Their canonization is a reminder to all Christians today that holiness is for all, it is matrimony, it is family, it is lived daily through trials and joys. Thousands of couples would find support and a model to imitate in them.  https://hozana.org/en/saints/saints-louis-and-zelie-martin

The Martin's family life was centered around their Catholic faith. The family prayer schedule included Mass, the Angelus, spiritual reading, the liturgy and the Liturgical Year with its fasts, feasts and seasons. Public prayer included the extra time in at church with Vespers, Compline, missions, and novenas. But their faith wasn't just about external and rote prayer but fostering a life of faith in the family, encouraging personal devotion, and especially igniting in each child that love of God so they would develop their own spiritual lives. https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/louis-and-zlie-martin-patron-saints-for-domestic-church/

When Louis Martin and his bride, Zelie, were married in 1858, they promised that they would “serve God first” together. They knew that putting God first in their lives would help them to always live with love.   Louis was a watchmaker but later managed the family lace making business.  Zelie made beautiful lace. Like all married couples, they sometimes faced disappointments and sadness; four of their nine children died at a young age. They turned to God in difficult times and grew more deeply in love as they shared their sorrows and joys with one another.

In 1877, when Thérèse, the Martin’s youngest daughter, was only four years old, Zelie became very ill and died. The family was brokenhearted, but they remembered that Zelie prayed with them to help them understand that her illness and death was part of God’s plan.

Louis lovingly raised his daughters. He generously gave his permission as each one asked to join the convent. He saw this as a sign that God was pleased that he and Zelie had shared their faith and love with their children.    Zelie and Louis Martin’s lives show us that when we live with love, we grow in holiness. The Martins are such a wonderful example of holiness that Pope Benedict named them “Blessed” in 2008 and Pope Francis officially recognized them both as saints in 2015 due to a healing miracle for baby Carmen Perez Pons in Spain.
Zelie wrote this about her 3 year old daughter, future Saint Therese of Lisieux:   “I have to correct this poor baby, who goes into a terrible rage when things don’t go as she’d like. She rolls around on the floor like a desperate person, believing all is lost.” https://www.churchpop.com/2016/01/22/12-quotes-zelie-martin-sainthood/   And she ended up being a SAINT!

Prayer to Saints Louis and Zelie Martin:

Saints Louis and Zélie Martin,
after having had the desire for religious life,
you heard the Lord's call to the vocation of marriage. 
You are the "parents without equal"
of whom your daughter Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus speaks;
the fortunate parents of Léonie,
the Servant of God, Sister Françoise-Thérèse;
of Marie, Pauline, and Céline,
transplanted to Mount Carmel;
and of the four children
taken from your affection in their youth:
Hélène, Joseph, Jean-Baptiste, and Mélanie-Thérèse.
 You gave all glory to God
through your humble and patient work,
your commitment to the poor,
and your family life,
where reigned the happiness
of loving and being loved.
 You lived your daily life concretely
through the joys and sorrows of your existence.
 You love us as your own children,
with the heart of a father and the heart of a mother,
because you are the friends of God. 
Listen to our prayer and our request
(state the request . . . )
and intercede for us with God the Father,
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
in the grace of the Holy Spirit.
This prayer is courtesy of the Shrine of Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin in Alencon.

 

Blessed Luigi and Maria Beltrane Quattrocchi  - Luigi and Maria “lived an ordinary life in an extraordinary way. Among the joys and concerns of a normal family life, they had an extraordinarily rich spiritual life.” (Pope St. John Paul II)

 The first married couple to be beatified together.
Beatified: October 21, 2001
Feast Day: November 25 (their Anniversary)
They were a married couple with four kids. They weren’t foreign missionaries or martyrs, they didn’t raise canonized saints, they didn’t start a world-changing movement. They were just a holy couple raising 4 holy kids — the most extraordinary of ordinary callings.  They led a life so filled with small moments of beauty and love and sacrifice that in the end it all blurs together into what seems like an ordinary life, but filled with glory.

An Italian couple who were married for forty-six years. They had four children, three of whom entered religious life. Two became priests and one a nun. The couple’s intention was to raise children who loved God and one another.  Their fourth child was born in 1913 after a long and painful pregnancy. The situation had been so dire that Maria’s physicians recommended an abortion to try to save at least her life, which she and Luigi both resolutely rejected.  The put their whole trust in the Lord’s Providence.  Maria and Luigi were always careful to entrust their children to God. When any of the four faced problems, their parents always encouraged them first and foremost to “appeal to the heavens” in prayer.

Maria and the children

The family was busy and active in the world around them. Maria wrote books on the mother's role in the education of her children. She accompanied sick people on pilgrimages to Lourdes, in France. She was very conscious of care to the poor and needy — on several occasions she volunteered with the Red Cross. During World War II, Maria oversaw the welcome of Jews and refugees, especially those escaping Nazi persecution, into the family home and was generous with anyone who came to their door in search of life’s necessities.  Luigi was a lawyer and worked for the Italian government. He was an active participant in several Catholic organizations. Every day they prayed the Rosary together, and they shared a daily devotion to the Eucharist. They regularly took part in retreats and participated in theology courses at Rome’s Pontifical Gregorian University. Their family participated each month in a Eucharistic vigil associated with the First Fridays devotion, as they were consecrated together as a family to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  The Quattrocchis knew what it meant to live in modern times, with the threats of war, disease, terrorism, and poverty. Their strength was in their faith.

     

 Read more about them here:
https://aleteia.org/2017/11/25/blessed-luigi-and-maria-quattrocchi-ordinary-married-life-shot-through-with-glory/
https://wau.org/archives/article/the_married_way_to_holiness/

 

St. Isidore and Blessed Maria de la Cabeza

“Love that leads to marriage is a gift from God and a great act of faith toward other human beings.”     
       St. John Paul II 
St. Isidore canonized: March 12, 1622
Blessed Maria beatified:  August 11, 1697

St. Isidore and Blessed Maria de la Cabeza were both born in in a small village near Madrid, Spain. Isidore was born in 1070 to a peasant family.  He worked on the farm of a wealthy farmer in the area named John de Vergas at Torrelaguna.  He later married Maria Torribia. They had a son who died in his infancy.
St. Isidore had a great devotion to the Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin Mary. He was known to be late for work daily because he would attend mass before work. However, it is said that he worked later than the other workers so that his work didn’t lack and he completed all tasks given him for the day. Coworkers and villagers often saw him stop to pray throughout the work day. It is also said that two angels would join Isidore on each side of him as he plowed the fields. St. Isidore died in 1130 and was buried in the cemetery of his home parish, St. Andrew. Forty years later, his body was found incorrupt.  More than 400 miracles were studied in the process of his canonization. Pope Gregory XV canonized St. Isidore on March 12, 1622.  He is the patron saint of farmers and is the patron saint of Madrid.
His wife Maria’s date of birth is unknown but she too was born near the end of the 11th century. It is said that Maira always kept a pot of stew on the fireplace in their small home on the farm. She knew that her husband would often bring home anyone who was hungry.  Legend has it that one day Isidore brought home more hungry than usual. She served many of the hungry but the pot went empty.  Maria went to tell her husband that there was no more food.  He told her to check the pot again and yes, there was enough stew to feed all who were hungry. Upon her husband’s death, Maria lived as a hermit and is said to have been blessed with visions and performed miracles. She was beatified by Pope Innocent XII on August 11, 1697.  Farm workers honor Maria de la Cabeza.  She shares a commemoration with her husband on May 15 and has her own feast on September 9. 
Several hundred years have passed since St. Isidore and Blessed Maria de la Cabeza lived, yet their simple life remains a powerful example of marriage as a vocation.   Marriage is a call to holiness.

 St. Isadore and Bl. Maria de la Cabeza - icon

40 Days for Life 2023

Join us on Tuesday, February 28,  at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa.   Special Pro-Life speaker Mayra Rodriguez at 6 PM in the Parish Hall.   Mass at 7 PM with Bishop Larry Silva.  And stay for a potluck social in the Parish Hall, 8 - 8:45 PM.   Sign up for the events using this QR code
  or call/email Anne 808-268-7143  anne40dfl@gmail.com   See the flyer here:

 

 Pray with us in front of Planned Parenthood during the campaign.  Go to  https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/honolulu   to sign up.
 

WALKING WITH MOMS - THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR JANUARY BABY SHOWER FOR PEARSON PLACE PREGNANCY RESOURCE CENTER

Pearson Place Pregnancy Resource Center is a Christ-centered ministry empowering people to make life-affirming and healthy decisions.  Services are free and confidential – compassionate and non-judgmental. They provide a variety of services (information, counseling) free of charge to both men and women as they walk through an uncertain time.
Your generosity provided several portable cribs, portable high chairs, many diaper bags, diapers and miscellaneous items necessary to comfortably raise a baby.  Thank you for helping!

 

Walking with moms
Our Diocese has joined with others across the nation to implement the “Walking with Moms” program.  Holy Trinity parish has joined this effort to increase outreach and support for pregnant and parenting mothers in need.  Please join us in prayer for all mothers as we bring available resources together to make a Culture of Life an integral part of our community.
Let us be like our Blessed Virgin Mary who went in haste to help her cousin Elizabeth when she heard she was pregnant.  Mary stayed with her for three months.  Mothers we are in this together, mothers helping other mothers.  We will do everything in our power to assist in whatever way we can.
If you know of a woman in need, we have a brochure that is a good starting point.  If you are able to join our effort as a resource (doctors, nurses, counselors, social workers, family law attorneys, others who can provide advice or support), please contact our Respect Life Committee.
Pope Francis reminds us, our parishes need to be “islands of mercy amid a sea of indifference.”  Pregnant and parenting moms in need are in our parishes and our neighborhoods.  We are to be a community of mercy and love to those in need during their difficult times so that they can once again get back on their feet.  Pregnant and parenting moms in desperation are turning to other places for help.  Let them find the help here in our parishes. 
May God bless us all with compassion and understanding,
Holy Trinity Respect Life Committee               
For more information or to volunteer,  contact Debbie Kula  dkula@rcchawaii.org   

Mahalo from the Mary Jane Home
We received a beautiful thank you note from the staff (and moms) at the Mary Jane Home for the baby shower items that we collected for them.  The note is on the bulletin board at the entrance of the church - or read it here.  And see the generous gifts we gave here.

Respecting Life

 

We celebrate that the US Supreme Court has overturned the Roe v. Wade decision and abortion is no longer considered a “right guaranteed by our constitution.”  Yet we know that action alone will not change the minds and hearts of many who promote abortion as health care. So let’s get ready to do a better job supporting women who may feel they have no other choice.  Let’s help them choose LIFE!
 So what can we do?    Check out more details in this Catholic Vote article:
  • Help to educate the public about what abortion is and offer a better, true understanding of the value of human life.
  • Support candidates, non-profits and fellow citizens who are working to limit or ban abortion – especially here in Hawaii.
  • Keep ready a list of support services for women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy.  Pearson Place Pregnancy Resource Center in Honolulu offers free, non-judgemental, compassionate services.  Information on additional centers available here.
  • Offer prayers, compassion and support to those needing post-abortion counseling.  Project Rachel seeks to fill this need.  The next Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat in Hawaii is scheduled for October 14-16, 2022.  Contact Lisa Shorba at (808) 469-5470.
  • Pray!  Catholics must pray!  Pray – not just in private – but together and publicly for an end to all threats to human life.  Pray as families, as a parish, as a pro-life ministry.
 

 

Prayers for Peace in Ukraine and the world

Pope Francis will be consecrating the world, particularly Russia and Ukraine, to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Friday, March 25, the Solemnity of the Annunciation.  He will do so at a Penance Service in Rome at 5:00 p.m. Rome time (6:00 a.m. Hawaii Time) and mentions that the actual Prayer of Consecration will be prayed around 6:30 p.m. (7:30 a.m. Hawaii Time).  The Holy Father has asked that Catholics throughout the world pray the Prayer of Consecration gathered in their parish churches and throughout the day.

Learn more here

Act of Consecration
to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Basilica of Saint Peter
25 March 2022
         O Mary, Mother of God and our Mother, in this time of trial we turn to you.  As our Mother, you love us and know us: no concern of our hearts is hidden from you.  Mother of mercy, how often we have experienced your watchful care and your peaceful presence!  You never cease to guide us to Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
         Yet we have strayed from that path of peace.  We have forgotten the lesson learned from the tragedies of the last century, the sacrifice of the millions who fell in two world wars.  We have disregarded the commitments we made as a community of nations.  We have betrayed peoples’ dreams of peace and the hopes of the young.  We grew sick with greed, we thought only of our own nations and their interests, we grew indifferent and caught up in our selfish needs and concerns.  We chose to ignore God, to be satisfied with our illusions, to grow arrogant and aggressive, to suppress innocent lives and to stockpile weapons.  We stopped being our neighbour’s keepers and stewards of our common home.  We have ravaged the garden of the earth with war and by our sins we have broken the heart of our heavenly Father, who desires us to be brothers and sisters.  We grew indifferent to everyone and everything except ourselves.  Now with shame we cry out: Forgive us, Lord!
         Holy Mother, amid the misery of our sinfulness, amid our struggles and weaknesses, amid the mystery of iniquity that is evil and war, you remind us that God never abandons us, but continues to look upon us with love, ever ready to forgive us and raise us up to new life.  He has given you to us and made your Immaculate Heart a refuge for the Church and for all humanity.  By God’s gracious will, you are ever with us; even in the most troubled moments of our history, you are there to guide us with tender love.
         We now turn to you and knock at the door of your heart.  We are your beloved children.  In every age you make yourself known to us, calling us to conversion.  At this dark hour, help us and grant us your comfort.  Say to us once more: “Am I not here, I who am your Mother?”  You are able to untie the knots of our hearts and of our times.  In you we place our trust.  We are confident that, especially in moments of trial, you will not be deaf to our supplication and will come to our aid.
         That is what you did at Cana in Galilee, when you interceded with Jesus and he worked the first of his signs.  To preserve the joy of the wedding feast, you said to him: “They have no wine” (Jn 2:3).  Now, O Mother, repeat those words and that prayer, for in our own day we have run out of the wine of hope, joy has fled, fraternity has faded.  We have forgotten our humanity and squandered the gift of peace.  We opened our hearts to violence and destructiveness.  How greatly we need your maternal help!
Therefore, O Mother, hear our prayer.
Star of the Sea, do not let us be shipwrecked in the tempest of war.
Ark of the New Covenant, inspire projects and paths of reconciliation.
Queen of Heaven, restore God’s peace to the world.
Eliminate hatred and the thirst for revenge, and teach us forgiveness.
Free us from war, protect our world from the menace of nuclear weapons.
Queen of the Rosary, make us realize our need to pray and to love.
Queen of the Human Family, show people the path of fraternity.
Queen of Peace, obtain peace for our world.
         O Mother, may your sorrowful plea stir our hardened hearts.  May the tears you shed for us make this valley parched by our hatred blossom anew.  Amid the thunder of weapons, may your prayer turn our thoughts to peace.  May your maternal touch soothe those who suffer and flee from the rain of bombs.  May your motherly embrace comfort those forced to leave their homes and their native land.  May your Sorrowful Heart move us to compassion and inspire us to open our doors and to care for our brothers and sisters who are injured and cast aside.
         Holy Mother of God, as you stood beneath the cross, Jesus, seeing the disciple at your side, said: “Behold your son” (Jn 19:26).  In this way he entrusted each of us to you.  To the disciple, and to each of us, he said: “Behold, your Mother” (v. 27).  Mother Mary, we now desire to welcome you into our lives and our history.  At this hour, a weary and distraught humanity stands with you beneath the cross, needing to entrust itself to you and, through you, to consecrate itself to Christ.  The people of Ukraine and Russia, who venerate you with great love, now turn to you, even as your heart beats with compassion for them and for all those peoples decimated by war, hunger, injustice and poverty.
         Therefore, Mother of God and our Mother, to your Immaculate Heart we solemnly entrust and consecrate ourselves, the Church and all humanity, especially Russia and Ukraine.  Accept this act that we carry out with confidence and love.  Grant that war may end and peace spread throughout the world.  The “Fiat” that arose from your heart opened the doors of history to the Prince of Peace.  We trust that, through your heart, peace will dawn once more.  To you we consecrate the future of the whole human family, the needs and expectations of every people, the anxieties and hopes of the world.
         Through your intercession, may God’s mercy be poured out on the earth and the gentle rhythm of peace return to mark our days.  Our Lady of the “Fiat”, on whom the Holy Spirit descended, restore among us the harmony that comes from God.  May you, our “living fountain of hope”, water the dryness of our hearts.  In your womb Jesus took flesh; help us to foster the growth of communion.  You once trod the streets of our world; lead us now on the paths of peace.  Amen.
From Bishop Larry:  For those who are able to join the Holy Father’s ceremony, either via television (EWTN) or on-line, we encourage you to do so.  But we encourage as many people as possible to gather at any time that day to pray for peace and to pray the Prayer of Consecration.  Our Lady, Queen of Peace, pray for us!
 

Feed the hungry

 

Encounter Lent – Bring Lent to Life.  The CRS Rice Bowl pamphlet is filled with Stories of Hope and some interesting recipes.  Catholic Relief Services works with parents to combat malnutrition through education:  crop management, small business learning groups, protecting homes and lands from natural disasters, preparing balanced meals.  Your support expands our respect of life to all corners of the world.

 And we can support those who are hungry here in Hawaii by supporting our Holy Trinity Food Drive over the next few weeks.  From March 19 – Easter Sunday, April 17, you can donate non-perishable items to help feed the more than 230,000 Hawai`i residents who are in need of food assistance.  Our donations will go to the Hawaii Food Bank.

 Additional opportunities for action:

1)       Offer prayers and assistance to victims of war, especially in Ukraine.  Donate to families in need through Catholic Relief Services

 2)      We have an opportunity to join our prayers for peace and justice with other Catholics throughout the world. An international group of lay leaders from different nationalities are arranging a 24-hour prayer chain that encompasses the entire world by asking the people of each country to stop and pray for the people of the Ukraine at a commonly, designated time. For ourselves in the United States, the hour chosen is 7:00 PM each evening.

            Make every effort to stop and offer this intention each evening sometime between 7:00 PM and 8:00PM. You can offer whatever prayer you wish in whatever format you choose. The goal is to create a solidarity of prayer throughout the world. Such solidarity will be a powerful spiritual weapon against tyranny, evil and sin.

 “Be courageous.”  Pope Francis

 Offer your Lenten sacrifice of love, sharing and caring.

 

You may think of brides in June – but did you realize that February is National Weddings Month?

 

And the observances of National Marriage Week (Feb. 7-14) and World Marriage Day (Sunday, Feb. 13) are an opportunity to focus on building a culture of life and love that begins with supporting and promoting marriage and the family.  Check out For Your Marriage.  This initiative of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops communicates the meaning and value of married life for the Church and for society and helps couples at all stages of life to understand and live God’s plan for happy, holy marriages by providing educational and spiritual resources.

 

This year’s theme is:  "Called to the Joy of Love."
Celebrating marriage in February reaffirms the beauty of unconditional love and the excitement of marriage. More than 2.4 million couples get married in the U.S. every year, and about 16 thousand of them get married on Valentine's Day?!  Valentine’s Day is certainly a good time to show how much you care.  But what about the other days each and every year?  How do we continue to show our love?  For Your Marriage offers resources to strengthen a marriage and advice for dating and engaged couples along with a Daily Marriage Tip.
We pray that God will bless all marriages with continuing love, understanding, and mutual respect.   Prayer for Married Couples

 

 

 

Offer A Prayer for Pregnant Mothers

O Blessed Mother, you received the good news of the incarnation of Christ, your Son, with faith and trust. Grant your protection to all pregnant mothers facing difficulties.
Guide us as we strive to make our parish communities places of welcome and assistance for mothers in need. Help us become instruments of God’s love and compassion.
Mary, Mother of the Church, graciously help us build a culture of life and a civilization of love, together with all people of good will, to the praise and glory of God, the Creator and lover of life.* Amen.
 *Cf. Evangelium vitae 105 © Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Vatican City. Adapted with permission. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2019, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C. All rights reserved.

Be knowledgeable:  Another look at abortion

Be supportive:  Ten ways to support her when she’s unexpectedly expecting

 

As we strive to live as Christ and welcome the stranger among us:
 
As we welcome Christ to be born again in our hearts, we can stand with Pope Francis, who reminds us that killing a child is never a solution to a problem. We can advocate for surrounding both mother and her child with love and practical support.  We can get involved with and support organizations that assist:
 
It is our nation’s sacred interest to protect the life and health of both mothers and their unborn children.  We can contact our state and federal representatives and let them know how we feel about life issues.
 
As we consider Christ’s parents on earth, we are reminded of our own kupuna and their needs:
  • we can offer them patience and love and understanding
  • we can support and volunteer with organizations that offer senior care

 

  

Here are some actions you can take to share your respect for ALL life:

o   Senator Brian Schatz   https://www.schatz.senate.gov/contact
o   Senator Mazie Hirono  https://www.hirono.senate.gov/contact
o   Representative Ed Case (1st Congressional District)  https://case.house.gov/contact/
o   Representative Kaiali`i Kahele (2nd Congressional District) https://kahele.house.gov/contact

 

Respect Life Resources

 

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I dedicated you.
~Jeremiah 1:5

Catholic Diocese of Hawaii – Respect Life Office

https://www.catholichawaii.org/diocesan-offices/respect-life/
https://www.catholichawaii.org/diocesan-offices/respect-life/respect-life-resources/
Through its ministry to parishes, schools, youth groups, colleges and universities, religious and secular media, legislators and all people of good will, the Respect Life Office seeks to transform society into a Culture of Life where every human being is valued and protected from the moment of fertilization until natural death. Human life must be respected because it is sacred. From its beginning human life involves the creative action of God and it remains forever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end. It is not lawful for anyone directly to destroy an innocent human being. This is gravely contrary to the dignity of the person and the holiness of the Creator. "Do not slay the innocent and the righteous" (Exodus 23:7).  |  Further reading: CCC 2258-2262, 2318-2320

 

 Mary Jane Home

https://www.catholiccharitieshawaii.org/programs-services/unplanned-pregnancy/mary-jane-home/
The Mary Jane Home offers a unique housing and educational opportunity to pregnant women who are in need of a safe, affordable place to live during their pregnancy. The staff provides education and support so women can prepare for their child and work toward accomplishing their life goals.
The program offers six ready-to-move-in private rooms and individual and group counseling as well as daily classes in infant care, childbirth and valuable life skills to prepare them for a healthy pregnancy and birth.

The Adoption Option

 House of Ruth - A Private Adoption referral service.  
Call (808) 524-0844. 
  

Live Action

https://www.liveaction.org/media/meet-lila-rose/
Founder and President Lila Rose started Live Action when she was just 15 years old from her family’s living room. Since that time, Live Action has grown to become one of the leading national pro-life and human rights organizations in America, dedicated to ending abortion and inspiring a culture that respects and defends life.
  

The Pearson Foundation of Hawaii

 http://www.pearsonplace.org
An unplanned pregnancy can be a very difficult thing to deal with on your own. If you find yourself in this situation, we urge you to contact us for a free pregnancy test and confidential counseling. We are here to help.
For confidential help, call The Pearson Foundation of Hawaii, Inc.
(808) 942-0328 (office hours) or (808) 319-5489 (24-hour hotline)
1145 Bishop Street, Honolulu, HI 96813
 

Project Rachel

 https://hopeafterabortion.com/?page_id=750

Whether it’s been one year or 20 years, you need time to grieve your loss and reflect on your feelings of sorrow and regret. Project Rachel is here to help you do that in a supportive and confidential environment. We are here to listen to you and help you through your pain.
Program Coordinators:  Deacon Keith & Bernadette Galang
Referral Number:  888.456.4673
 

Rachel’s Vineyard

Rachel’s Vineyard is a safe place to renew, rebuild and redeem hearts broken by abortion. Weekend retreats offer you a supportive, confidential and non-judgmental environment where women and men can express, release and reconcile painful post-abortive emotions to begin the process of restoration, renewal and healing.
https://www.catholichawaii.org/diocesan-offices/respect-life/pastoral-care/rachels-vineyard-ministry/ 
Contact: Lisa Shorba    808-349-5071     RVinHawaii@gmail.com

Rachel’s Vineyard weekend retreat - Healing the pain of abortion

Next weekend retreat - Oct. 15-17, 2021   Space is limited       Brochure
  

Abortion Pill Rescue Network

Abortion pill reversal – 877-558-0333

 

Heartbeat International

https://www.heartbeatinternational.org/
Heartbeat International is the first network of pro-life pregnancy resource centers founded in the U.S. (1971),  and it is now the most expansive network in the world. Heartbeat has over 2,800 affiliated pregnancy help locations including pregnancy help medical clinics (with ultrasound), resource centers, maternity homes, and adoption agencies in more than 60 countries around the world to provide alternatives to abortion. 

 


 

 

Isaiah 58:  Let the Oppressed Go Free   with permission Timothy Schmalz*  http://sculpturebytps.com

Sculptor, Timothy Schmalz has created many meaningful, stirring, often controversial, always thought provoking works of art to engage and challenge.  As a Christian artist, his works also evangelize.  Perhaps you are familiar with Homeless Jesus or Angels Unawares residing at the Vatican.

In this piece, Let the Oppressed Go Free, we see St. Bakhita, who is a slave from another century, opening up the ground and letting the modern-day slaves free.  As long as human trafficking remains an underground subject - seemingly nobody really wants to face up to it - it will not go away.  St. Bakhita is bringing the issue, and the victims, into the open.  Can we not do the same?

A PRAYER TO END TRAFFICKING

(From USCCB handout for World Day of Peace 2015)

Loving Father,

We seek your divine protection for all who are exploited and enslaved.

For those forced into labor, trafficked into sexual slavery, and denied freedom.

We beseech you to release them from their chains.

Grant them protection, safety, and empowerment.

Restore their dignity and provide them a new beginning.

Show us how we might end exploitation by addressing its causes.

Help us reach out in support of victims and survivors of human trafficking.

Make us instruments of your spirit for their liberation.

For this we pray through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen

 SO WHAT IS HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT?

The Department of Homeland Security defines human trafficking as the “illegal trade of humans for exploitation or commercial gain.” Exploitation often means forcing victims into prostitution or slavery. It is estimated that 75% or more of human trafficking is for sex.  People are vulnerable for many reasons:  war, poverty, or the desire for a better life.  Women and children are targets for sex trafficking.  Predators are ready to provide promises of love and success as they groom their victims.

 The United States abolished slavery more than 150 years ago with the ratification of the 13th Amendment, and slavery is illegal everywhere. However, the International Labor Organization estimates that there are more than 20 million slaves in the world today—about twice as many as there were during the time of the transatlantic slave trade. The United States is both a source and destination for victims.

 “It ought to concern every person, because it is a debasement of our common humanity. It ought to concern every community, because it tears at our social fabric. It ought to concern every business, because it distorts markets. It ought to concern every nation, because it endangers public health and fuels violence and organized crime. I’m talking about the injustice, the outrage, of human trafficking, which must be called by its true name - - modern slavery.”- President Barack Obama, September 25, 2012

SOME STATISTICS ABOUT HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Human traffickers use force, fraud, or coercion to get the men, women, and children to do their bidding.  Here are some of the shocking statistics.

Globally: from the International Labour Organization’s 2017 Report on Forced Labor and Forced Marriage:

  • 40.3 milllion people are in modern slavery71% of the victims are women and girls
    • 24.9 million people in forced labor
    • 15.4 million people in forced marriages
  • 1 in 4 victims are children
  • women and girls account for 99% in the commercial sex industry and 58% in other sectors
  • According to the 2017 State Department Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report, there were only 14,894 prosecutions and 9,071 convictions for trafficking globally

In the US: from DeliverFund – Facts about Human Trafficking in the US

  • The US is ranked among the worst countries globally for human trafficking
  • California consistently has the highest rates of human trafficking in the US
  • The American cities with the highest number of human trafficking cases are Washington, D.C., Atlanta GA, Orlando FL, Miami FL, and Las Vegas NV
  • It is estimated between 250,000 and 300,00 women and children are victims of sex trafficking

In Hawaii:  from Child and Family Service – Sex Trafficking in Hawaii

  • Recent news reports indicate an alarming rise of sex trafficking in Hawaii
  • A Child and Family Service survey in 2020 concludes:
    • 23% of victims were trafficked before they were 18 years old, average age just under 12 years old
    • 25% reported that their first sex trafficker was a family member
    • more than 75% of victims were female
    • 64% identified as being part-Hawaiian

 SO HOW CAN WE HELP TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

  • Raise your voice: Send a letter to your elected officials to let them know that trafficking is an issue that matters to you.
  • If you suspect someone is a victim of trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline  1-888-373-7888  or text to 233733
  • Report missing children or child pornography to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children 1-800-843-5678 or through the Cybertipline  
  • Know the signs.  
  • Expose the myths.
  • Spread the word.  Be well informed and help to sponsor an awareness event.
  • Think before you shop.  Be an informed consumer. Who made your clothes?
  • Volunteer locally:   Check out  Ho`ola Na Pua  Learn about, volunteer, donate to this organization that was founded to shine light on the dark criminal enterprise of sex trafficking, placing the health of Hawaii’s youth at the center of their mission and vision for our community. They are committed to the prevention of sex trafficking and providing care for children who have been exploited. 

 Additional resources:

 

 

 

 

 Isaiah 58 Let the Oppressed Go Free - with permission Timothy Schmalz

Isaiah 58:  Let the Oppressed Go Free   with permission Timothy Schmalz*  http://sculpturebytps.com
Sculptor, Timothy Schmalz has created many meaningful, stirring, often controversial, always thought provoking works of art to engage and challenge.  As a Christian artist, his works also evangelize.  Perhaps you are familiar with Homeless Jesus or Angels Unawares residing at the Vatican.
In this piece, Let the Oppressed Go Free, we see St. Bakhita, who is a slave from another century, opening up the ground and letting the modern-day slaves free.  As long as human trafficking remains an underground subject - seemingly nobody really wants to face up to it - it will not go away.  St. Bakhita is bringing the issue, and the victims, into the open.  Can we not do the same?

A PRAYER TO END TRAFFICKING

(From USCCB handout for World Day of Peace 2015)
Loving Father,
We seek your divine protection for all who are exploited and enslaved.
For those forced into labor, trafficked into sexual slavery, and denied freedom.
We beseech you to release them from their chains.
Grant them protection, safety, and empowerment.
Restore their dignity and provide them a new beginning.
Show us how we might end exploitation by addressing its causes.
Help us reach out in support of victims and survivors of human trafficking.
Make us instruments of your spirit for their liberation.
For this we pray through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen

 SO WHAT IS HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT?

The Department of Homeland Security defines human trafficking as the “illegal trade of humans for exploitation or commercial gain.” Exploitation often means forcing victims into prostitution or slavery. It is estimated that 75% or more of human trafficking is for sex.  People are vulnerable for many reasons:  war, poverty, or the desire for a better life.  Women and children are targets for sex trafficking.  Predators are ready to provide promises of love and success as they groom their victims.
 The United States abolished slavery more than 150 years ago with the ratification of the 13th Amendment, and slavery is illegal everywhere. However, the International Labor Organization estimates that there are more than 20 million slaves in the world today—about twice as many as there were during the time of the transatlantic slave trade. The United States is both a source and destination for victims.
 “It ought to concern every person, because it is a debasement of our common humanity. It ought to concern every community, because it tears at our social fabric. It ought to concern every business, because it distorts markets. It ought to concern every nation, because it endangers public health and fuels violence and organized crime. I’m talking about the injustice, the outrage, of human trafficking, which must be called by its true name - - modern slavery.”- President Barack Obama, September 25, 2012

SOME STATISTICS ABOUT HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Human traffickers use force, fraud, or coercion to get the men, women, and children to do their bidding.  Here are some of the shocking statistics.
Globally: from the International Labour Organization’s 2017 Report on Forced Labor and Forced Marriage:
  • 40.3 milllion people are in modern slavery71% of the victims are women and girls
    • 24.9 million people in forced labor
    • 15.4 million people in forced marriages
  • 1 in 4 victims are children
  • women and girls account for 99% in the commercial sex industry and 58% in other sectors
  • According to the 2017 State Department Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report, there were only 14,894 prosecutions and 9,071 convictions for trafficking globally
In the US: from DeliverFund – Facts about Human Trafficking in the US
  • The US is ranked among the worst countries globally for human trafficking
  • California consistently has the highest rates of human trafficking in the US
  • The American cities with the highest number of human trafficking cases are Washington, D.C., Atlanta GA, Orlando FL, Miami FL, and Las Vegas NV
  • It is estimated between 250,000 and 300,00 women and children are victims of sex trafficking
In Hawaii:  from Child and Family Service – Sex Trafficking in Hawaii
  • Recent news reports indicate an alarming rise of sex trafficking in Hawaii
  • A Child and Family Service survey in 2020 concludes:
    • 23% of victims were trafficked before they were 18 years old, average age just under 12 years old
    • 25% reported that their first sex trafficker was a family member
    • more than 75% of victims were female
    • 64% identified as being part-Hawaiian

 SO HOW CAN WE HELP TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

  • Raise your voice: Send a letter to your elected officials to let them know that trafficking is an issue that matters to you.
  • If you suspect someone is a victim of trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline  1-888-373-7888  or text to 233733
  • Report missing children or child pornography to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children 1-800-843-5678 or through the Cybertipline  
  • Know the signs.  
  • Expose the myths.
  • Spread the word.  Be well informed and help to sponsor an awareness event.
  • Think before you shop.  Be an informed consumer. Who made your clothes?
  • Volunteer locally:   Check out  Ho`ola Na Pua  Learn about, volunteer, donate to this organization that was founded to shine light on the dark criminal enterprise of sex trafficking, placing the health of Hawaii’s youth at the center of their mission and vision for our community. They are committed to the prevention of sex trafficking and providing care for children who have been exploited. 
 Additional resources: