Pierre Toussaint, who came to the United States as a slave from Haiti, died 150 years ago in New York City. He’s been declared Venerable by the Catholic Church, a man admired for his dedication to the poor and his strong religious faith. See video above.
We may think slavery is a thing of the past in most of the world now, but a recent UN report reminds us it’s more than alive today, everywhere in the world.
Over 50 million people live in modern forms of slavery today and the number is growing. 28 million live in forced labor, 22 million in forced marriages; a large number are women and children. Enslavment takes place in every country of the world. Many are sexual exploitated.
Pierre Toussaint is a voice for them. Like Jesus, who “took on the form of a slave” Toussaint became a sign of God’s grace that raises the human condition to glory.
We remember him today.
Here are some references to slavery together, courtesy of Annmarie O’Connor, who represents the Passionists at the United Nations:
https://www.un.org/en/delegate/50-million-people-modern-slavery-un-report
It includes a link to the full International Labor Organization (ILO) Report:
And the UN has Special Rapporteurs – Independent Experts who monitor various issues. Here is information (and you can read his full report) from the Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Slavery
https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-slavery
And regarding alarming US discussions about child labor restrictions:
“Child Labor Laws under attack in states across the country: Amid increasing child labor violations, lawmakers must act to strengthen standards”
Finally, the Passionists are connected to Haiti today through Fr. Rich Frechette CP who has long labored among the poor in that country. Native born Haitians are now also members of our community.
Bishop Norbert Dorsey wrote this extensive appreciation of Pierre Toussaint and his spirituality. https://vhoagland.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/pierre-toussaint.jpg
The Victor's Place 
