Monday, 3rd February, St. Blaise, died in 315. Bishop of Sebaste, martyred in Armenia. Tradition states that he was a physician before becoming a bishop. Since the eighth century he has been venerated as patron of those who suffer from disease of the throat.
Wednesday, 5th February, St. Agatha, died a martyr for the faith at Catania in Sicily in the third century. Patron of bell-founders.
Thursday, 6 February, Ss. Paul Miki and Companions, were martyred at Nagasaki, Japan, in 1597. The six Franciscans, seventeen Franciscan Tertiaries and three Jesuits died suspended on crosses.
Saturday, 8th February, St Josephine Bakhita,1868-1947, a native of Sudan, brought as a slave to Italy where she became a Christian and later entered the Institute of Canossian Daughters of Charity in Venice.
The 8th February is ‘International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking’, first observed in 2015 and on the memorial of St. Josephine. Each year, around 2.5 million people are victims of trafficking and slavery. For those engaged in trafficking it has become one of the most lucrative illegal activities in the world. Through the Day of Prayer, we reflect on the experience of those who have suffered but also we are called to reach out to victims and survivors.