Saint Josephine Bakhita

Saint Josephine Bakhita was born in Olgossa, the southern Sudan region of Darfur. At the age of seven, Bakhita was kidnapped by slave traders and consequently endured many years of physical, emotional, and spiritual deprivation. She was tattooed all over her body with over one hundred incisions. Salt was poured into the wounds to make the pattern of scars stand out. This torture left her immobile for over a month, during which time she almost bled to death. The name "Bakhita" comes from the Arabic language and means "The lucky one." This name was given to her by the slave traders since, in the trauma of abduction, she had forgotten her name.

She was re-sold several times, finally in 1883, to Callisto Legnani, Italian consul in Khartoum, Sudan. After two years, Callisto took Bakhita to Italy and gave her to his friend, Augusto Michieli. There Bakhita became a babysitter to Mimmina Michieli. She accompanied Mimmina to Venice's Institute of the Catechumens, run by the Canossian Daughters of Charity. While Mimmina was being instructed, Josephine felt drawn to the Catholic faith. She was baptized and confirmed in 1890, taking the name Josephine. When Michieli returned from Africa and wanted to take Josephine back with them, Josephine refused to go. During the ensuing court case, the Canossian Daughters of Charity and the patriarch of Venice intervened on Josephine's behalf. The judge concluded that since slavery was illegal in Italy, she had actually been free since 1885. 

Josephine entered the Institute of St. Magdalene of Canossa in 1893 and made her profession in three years. In 1902, she was transferred to the city of Schio, Italy, where she assisted her religious community through cooking, sewing, embroidery, and welcoming visitors at the door. She soon became well-loved by the children attending the sisters' school and the local citizens. She once said, "Be good, love the Lord, pray for those who do not know Him. What a great grace it is to know God!" Bakhita knew the reality of being a slave, an immigrant, and a spiritual seeker. Even while she was outwardly denied freedom and human dignity, her spirit was free. It was that freedom of spirit that allowed her to follow her heart and live her true vocation. Bakhita died in Schio on February 8, 1947. She was declared Blessed on May 17, 1992, and proclaimed Saint on October 1, 2000, in Rome.

Saint Josephine Bakhita intercede for all those who are trapped in a state of slavery and obtain healing for the victims of human trafficking.

Prepared and updated by:

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,

Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.