Prayer Vigil for Victims and Survivors of Human Trafficking

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Prayer Vigil for Victims and Survivors of Human Trafficking
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February 2026

For several years Holy Union Sisters have traveled to Brighton to participate in the Prayer Vigil, often braving the January wintery weather. This year those who could not be present were able to participate through a Zoom livestream.

For the past fifteen years during National Month of Awareness of Human Trafficking, the Boston Anti-Trafficking Coalition has invited sisters from their member congregations and others to the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Joseph to a Prayer Vigil for an end to human trafficking. Before going outside, participants gathered in the chapel and heard Edith Ayuso, Deputy Director of Victim Assistance at the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, share insights into her office’s work in addressing human trafficking. Edith emphasized the need for wraparound services and collaboration with community partners. “We have a priority on survivors and their voices. It’s about seeing them and providing them with the resources they need.” Edith concluded with these encouraging words: “If you have been in the fight to combat human trafficking for a long time and things happening around you seem overwhelming, daunting, and exhausting, and maybe the flame you once had seems to be flickering, today, I invite you to look around you, look at the people to your left and right who are in the fight with you… take a deep breath filled with hope and strength as we stand alongside each other to move forward in the work. Do not be hindered by limitations that others try to place on us, but hold hands for a brighter future for survivors…”

Holy Union has been a member of the Boston Anti-Trafficking Coalition which consists of five congregations of women religious in the Boston Area. Sister Mary Lou Simcoe has joined sisters from the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston, Franciscan Sisters of Philadelphia, Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and Medical Missionaries of Mary in providing events to raise awareness and educate people about this form of modern-day slavery.

This year, Holy Union Sisters who attended the vigil included: Sisters Patricia Health, Paula Coelho, Mary Lou Simco, Theresa Horvath, Mary Lou Sullivan, and Carol Regan.

Here are photos of sisters at this year’s vigil and past years. Click photos to see a full-size image.

Sisters Pat Heath, Tess Horvath, Mary Lou Sullivan, Paula Coelho, Carol Regan, and Mary Lou Simcoe

Sisters Mary Lou Sullivan, Tess Horvath, Pat Heath, and Mary Lou Simcoe

Sr. Carol Regan with other attendees in the chapel

The prayer vigil began in the Chapel

Boston ATC Committee: Standing: Sisters Joanne Bierl, MMM, Mary Lou Simcoe SUSC, Margaret Anne Myer MMM, Betsy Goodwin OSF. Seated: Srs. Marilyn McGoldrick, CSJ, Mary Jane Cavallo SNDdeN

Sr. Mary Lou Simcoe leads Opening Prayer

Speaker Edith Ayuso addresses the group

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