Combatting Human Trafficking

This past summer while speaking at the GIVEN Forum in Washington, D.C., I had the pleasure of meeting Felicitas Brugo Onetti. Felicitas was a fellow panel speaker, and I was really moved by her life’s mission of combatting human trafficking and wanted to share her story with you.

She is as an Anti-Trafficking Education and Outreach Coordinator for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, where she works to highlight the intersections of social justice issues such as foster care, substance use, online exploitation, young adults, child welfare issues, and other adverse health and social effects.

As God would have it, we had the opportunity to record this episode in person and talk more about her work, how she maintains her joy while working in such a heart-wrenching field, and the importance of approaching difficult conversations with love.

Tune in for:

• What the average person can do to combat human trafficking

• How parents and friends can help prevent someone they love from becoming exploited

• Felicita’s beautiful faith journey and how the saints have aided her along the way

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• U.S Conference of Catholic Bishops Anti-Trafficking Program

• 2024 World Day of Prayer Toolkit

• St. Josephine Bakhita

• Bakhita: From Slave to Saint (I highly recommend this movie on Formed.org about St. Bakhita’s life.)

• Human Trafficking, U.S. Policy, and the Catholic Church

You can watch this episode on YouTube or listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Be sure to share with a friend.

With love,

Valentina

“For when we say ‘Yes’ to God, we change the world”!