Human trafficking violates basic human rights and is contrary to the Gospel. A key concern is that those who have been trafficked are often considered criminals rather than victims of crime who require a compassionate response. How can we stand with others to eliminate trafficking in Australia and across the globe?

The Sisters of Mercy of Papua New Guinea (PNG) will hold their Chapter Assembly from September 15 to 23, the first since the group was declared an autonomous region of the Australian Institute last year. Institute members are invited to pray for the sisters as they gather to reflect on and discuss their mission and ministry in a country which experiences many challenges including high levels of poverty, unemployment, violence and HIV-AIDS.

Mercy M@tters is pleased to publish yet another Gospel reflection from Sister Veronica Lawson (Ballarat East Congregation Leader) for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C, Luke 14:1, 7-14).

Mercy M@tters welcomes news items for publication each fortnight. Please send any story ideas, articles or photos to your congregation's Local Communications Facilitator (LCF) who will then send material to comms@mercy.org.au
The next deadline is Monday September 10, 2007.

The ABC reports that Sisters of Mercy were among a group of refugee advocates to hold a twilight vigil outside the Baxter Detention Centre facility near Port Augusta in South Australia on August 19. The group of refugee advocates held the vigil to mark the official closure of Baxter and to remember their involvement with detainees over the past five years.