Cardinal Vincent Nichols has shared a message for the upcoming tenth anniversary of Caritas Bakhita House, the Diocese of Westminster's safe house for survivors of trafficking and exploitation.
Opened in 2015, the initiative began as a response to Pope Francis' injunction for the Church to contribute to combating human trafficking. Since then, the safe house has offered round-the-clock support to over 200 women, including tailored support plans, access to medical and psychological support, therapeutic activities and support with bringing perpetrators to justice.
Cardinal Nichols reflects: 'I'm most proud of [Caritas] Bakhita House for the way it builds a community... of women who have been rescued from trafficking and found their way back to healthy, productive lives — along with many of their babies, too.'
To mark the anniversary, the Cardinal will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving in Westminster Cathedral on 30th June at 5.30pm, which will be attended by the centre's staff, volunteers and supporters. Nichols extends the invitation to the faithful and general public, noting: 'It's a moment for us to thank God for the new life given through the work of [Caritas] Bakhita House, inspired by the compassion and the love that Jesus has for everyone; as he gave his life, that we might live life to the full.'
