St Joseph’s Primary School: Children growing in the Garden
A View from Jerusalem by former British Consul-General, Sir Vincent Fean
Page 7
Page 11
February 2014
Human Trafficking:
Archbishop Vincent to become Cardinal
a disgrace for our societies By Chris O’Callaghan On 12 January the Diocese of Westminster became a focus for media attention when Pope Francis announced that our own Archbishop, the Most Rev Vincent Nichols, would join the College of Cardinals. Archbishop Vincent’s Response Following the announcement, the Archbishop described his feelings about the appointment: “Today, I am deeply moved by the honour conferred upon the Catholic Church in England and Wales and on the Diocese of Westminster in my appointment as Cardinal by Pope Francis.”
“Human trafficking and its terrible effects are a blight on our society.” Cardinal-Designate Vincent Nichols
Over 50% of human trafficking in Britain comes through London. The Catholic Church has spoken out about the issue of modern slavery and Archbishop Vincent is a strong supporter of anti-slavery charities who are working to eradicate something that belongs, and needs to return to, the past. Catholics in England and Wales will be observing the Memorial of St Josephine Bakhita - 8 February - as a Day of Prayer for Victims of Human Trafficking and Those who Work to Combat It. It is an opportunity for people to remember and pray for the victims and survivors of trafficking throughout the world and those who work to end this form of modern slavery.
In this edition on page 10 we cover the multifaceted horrors of human trafficking. Pope Francis has spoken widely on the issue describing human trafficking as “a disgrace for our societies” and Archbishop Vincent has said that “Human trafficking and its terrible effects are a blight on our society. We need to learn more about the hidden way in which people are exploited dreadfully and left in need of great help.” The Diocese of Westminster endorses the anti-trafficking campaign of the Metropolitan Police ‘Stop traffickers controlling you. You make the call.’ Freephone 0800 783 2589
The image was shot by Leagas Delaney, a London advertising agency, on behalf of The Metropolitan Police and Stop the Traffik to raise awareness of human trafficking in the UK.
"The Catholic Church in our countries has always had a profound and loving loyalty to the Holy Father, the Successor of St Peter. This appointment enables me, on behalf of all, to serve the Pope in a direct and prolonged way.” "Personally, this is a humbling moment when I am asked to take a place in this service of the Holy See and in the line of much-loved Cardinal Archbishops of Westminster. I seek the blessing of Almighty God for these new responsibilities and I ask for the prayers of all people of faith that I may fulfil them with energy and devotion." Archbishop Vincent is the 11th Archbishop of Westminster to be created a Cardinal. He will join the College of Cardinals at the next Consistory in Rome on 22 February, the Feast of the Chair of St Peter. Continued on page 3