She even received a new name at her baptism: Josephine Margaret Bakhita. At some point during her captivity she was given the name Bakhita, which is Arabic for fortunate., One of her early captors forced her to serve as a maid. In her final days she relived the agony of her enslavement and is said to have called out, Please, loosen the chains. If you are one of our rare donors, you have our gratitude and we warmly thank you. We serve youth, parents, and those on the frontlines of combatting human trafficking. According to Josephine, she had always known about God, who created all things, but she did not know who He was. For the first time in her life, Josephine was free and could choose what to do with her life. Provide comfort to survivors of slavery and let them look to you as an example of hope
Her only extended time away was between 1935 and 1939, when she stayed at the Missionary Novitiate in Vimercate (Milan); mostly visiting other Canossian communities in Italy, talking about her experiences and helping to prepare young sisters for work in Africa. Top 10 facts about Josephine THE Empress Josephine of France, first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, died 200 years ago today, on May 29, 1814. Bakhita became babysitter to Mimmina Michieli, whom she accompanied to Venices Institute of the Catechumens, run by the Canossian Sisters. Which services in your area address the needs of women and children in poverty? Known as Mimmina, she was treated like a daughter by Bakhita. 1) Sudanese-Italian Canossian nun who survived 12 years of brutal slavery. Flogging and maltreatment were part of her daily life. They ran through the wilderness all night, terrified of being caught and even more terrified of the roars of wild beasts; whenever the animals came too close, they took shelter in a tree. She was kidnapped as a child and sold into slavery, eventually working in Italy as a nanny for a wealthy family. Thank you. Of that traumatic mutilation she reportedly said, I thought I would die, especially when salt was poured in the woundsit was by a miracle of God I didnt die. [28], Josephine Margaret Bakhita is honored with a Lesser Feast on the liturgical calendar of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America,[1] also on 8 February.[29]. | Irondale, AL 35210 |. Josephine Margaret Bakhita, F.D.C.C. Bakhita converted to Christianity and was baptized and confirmed in 1890. She was five years old when her older sister was kidnapped and when Bakhita was about seven years old, she experienced the same tragedy herself. As she grew older, she experienced long, painful years of sickness, but she continued to persevere in hope, constantly choosing the good. Her gentleness, calming voice, and the ever-present smile became well known and Vicenzans still refer to her as Sor Moretta ("little brown sister") or Madre Moretta ("black mother"). Listening to nature and her heart manifested in her the law of love that unites us all, making us capable of a social life in which rights and duties are expressed in the happy union of truth and justice, an encounter of gift and gratitude. She was gentle and charismatic, and was often referred to lovingly as the "little brown sister" or honorably as the "black mother.". 2) The name 'Bakhita' was given to her by her ensalver, it means "lucky" or "fortunate". 26. Due to her family lineage, she grew up happy and relatively prosperous, saying that as a child, she did not know suffering. Copyright 2022 Catholic Online. Her new family also had dealings in Sudan had when her mistress decided to travel to Sudan without Josephine, she placed her in the custody of the Canossian Sisters in Venice. Although she was just a child, she was forced to walk barefoot over 600 miles to a slave market in El Obeid. On 1 December 1978, Pope John Paul II declared Josephine Venerable, the first step towards canonization. Her simplicity was convincing and danger was averted. Privacy Statement, Five ways for parents to prepare children for First Holy Communion, Four quick and crafty ways to celebrate Thanksgiving with Catholic kids, 9 tips for a successful family prayer time. Those who lived with her still permit us to meet her: smiling like a mother, serene and calm because she has no enemies while expressing herself with affectionate tenderness. Each ofATIs initiatives equips you in the fight against human traffickingby providing focused resources developed by survivors as well as experts with firsthand experience. 2023 Loyola Press. How might God be calling you to greater freedom in this area? Since the villa in Zianigo was already sold, Bakhita and Mimmina needed a temporary place to stay while Micheli went to Sudan without them. She was baptized in 1890 and given the name Josephine. 6 Facts About St Josephine Bakhita 1) Sudanese-Italian Canossian nun who survived 12 years of brutal slavery. You can read more about Elizabeth on her ATI leadership profile page. She soon became well loved by the children attending the sisters school and the local citizens. She became a Canossian nun in December 1896 and remained at the convent for another 42 years. The Patriarch of Venice was informed, and he sought the advice of the Kings attorney. Watch Two Suitcases: The Story of St. Josephine Bakhita, available to stream or on DVD from Amazon. (Fortunata is the Latin translation for her Arabic name, Bakhita). She used to tell the teachers in the community "You teach catechism, I will stay in the chapel and pray for you that you may teach well.". If Catholic Online has given you $5.00 worth of knowledge this year, take a minute to donate. Under their care, Josephine was drawn to the Roman Catholic Church. What is it that enslaves you? She was five years old when her older sister was kidnapped and when Bakhita was about seven years old, she experienced the same tragedy herself. February 8 is the feast day of Saint Josephine Bakhita. Yes, she is a Catholic saint, but her story can serve as an inspiration to all, no matter what their religious beliefs may be. Awareness of how much the family had already suffered increased her pain knowing that her people were suffering for her, too. The figure pointed the way to go, and Bakhita led her companion in that direction. Saint Katharine Drexel was a contemplative in action whose work serving the poor inspires us today. She is a shining ray of hope for human trafficking victims and an inspirational demonstration of how a victim can recover from their trauma and become whole again. Learn about their countries of origin, customs, and current needs. What was she known for? (ca. The sisters answered her questions. Seeing no one around, they linked hands and ran into the countryside as fast as their legs could go. She was kidnapped by slave traders at the age of seven; they gave her the name Bakhita, which means lucky. She died in 1947 in Italy. Children and adults alike flocked to her, enjoying her good heart, good nature, good works, and her love of people. Birth: 1869. Today is Saturday," probably hoping that this would cheer her because Saturday is the day of the week dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus. uCatholic. Saint Magdalene of Canossa referred to Venice as a city of projects; also from Venice came Gods dream for Mother Bakhita, who arrived at the Canossian Institute. Free with the freedom of the saints. The Archbishop who gave her the sacraments was none other than Giusseppe Sarto, the Cardinal Patriarch of Venice, who would later become Pope Pius X. Josephine became a novice with the CanossianDaughters of Charity religious order on December 7, 1893, and took her final vows on December 8, 1896. As a slave, her experiences varied from fair treatment to cruel. The history of her life inspires not passive acceptance but the firm resolve to work effectively to free girls and women from oppression and violence, and to return them to their dignity in the full exercise of their rights.. Sharing the Word for May 1, 2023 Fourth Week of Easter Year 1. After that, she was sold. Josephine was declared free on the grounds that slavery was not recognized in Italy and had been outlawed in Darfur before her birth. When Bakhita was seven or eight, Arab slave traders kidnapped her and sold her into slavery. Read his story here. The daughter of Sudan sold into slavery as a living piece of merchandise and yet still free. 1869 8 February 1947) was a Sudanese-Italian Canossian religious sister who lived in Italy for 45 years, after having been a slave in Sudan. Would she be treated like a slave again or could she still hope to have the human dignity she had experienced in the consuls home? This martyrdom ended when, in 1882, she was bought by Callisto Legnani, an Italian consular agent in Sudan. She was a source of encouragement. In 1958, the process of canonization began for Josephine under Pope John XXIII. The greatest revelation of such love was forgiveness, which was expressed with gratitude in grasping Gods Providence in the traumas of the experience of being kidnapped as a child and the inhuman life that followed. Those whom man enslaves, let God set free. While she was in the custody of the sisters, she came to learn about God. Saint Josephine, affectionately known as Bakhita (fortunate one), was born in the southern Sudan region of Darfur. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. The school was run by the Canossian Sisters. But, she felt the separation to such an extent that with trembling lips and shining eyes she listened to the stories of the soldiers returning from Africa, informing her of their experience there, of the situation of her people. Most people donate because Catholic Online is useful. Then salt was poured into the open wounds to ensure it would scar. The amazement of being so loved flowed from her heart as a river of tenderness that comforted, in a multiplicity of expressions, with the indelible touch of her presence. Permission Guidelines What happened to the Catholic Knights Hospitaller? Bakhita herself never mentions this incident. Bakhita wished to stay in Italy when her owners readied for a relocation. She is a shining ray of hope for human trafficking victims and an inspirational demonstration of how a victim can recover from their trauma and become whole again. Death: February 8, 1947. Shop St. Josephine Bakhita. Bakhita came to believe it was her guardian angel, who stayed with her all along, guiding her to God. New Subscription It wasnt long before Bakhita realized they were lost. If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. Some of the testimonies collected were written by those who had known her in the family, for having received graces from her, for having heard about her from friends. Bakhita knew how to value true riches and chose eternal treasures. The colour of her skin had either frightened or attracted the little ones, who thought she was made of chocolate, and intrigued the grown-ups, who had never seen people of other ethnic groups; but that very colour became the privilege given them to have known and loved someone who was different, and to receive love in return. She arrived in Italy for the first time. She was bought and sold at least twice during the grueling journey. Learn more about the people of Sudan and the ongoing conflict in their country. 1751 Pinnacle Drive Suite 600 | McLean, Virginia 22102, National Human Trafficking Intelligence Center, Parent Coalition to End Human Trafficking. The little girl had never worn a dress until the day two scowling men appeared in the fields, blocking her path and holding a knife to her side, kidnapping her much as one might snatch a hen from its coop. If anyone asked her how she was, she would reply, "As the master desires.". Josephine was her confirmation name. For the next 42 years of her life, she worked as a cook and a doorkeeper at the convent. Due to her family lineage, she grew up happy and relatively prosperous, saying that as a child, she did not know suffering. Historians believe that sometime in February 1877, Josephine was kidnapped by Arab slave traders. Public Domain via Wikimedia. Pay Your Bill, SUBSCRIBE TO OSV KIDS Beatified: May 17, 1992 Sadly, the news of her beatification in 1992 was censored in Sudan. She wanted to be good, to obey the one who gave her joy in following his voice that enlightened her from the heart. She was kidnapped by slave traders at the age of seven; they gave her the name Bakhita, which means "lucky." She died in 1947 in Italy. She said, "A woman skilled in this cruel art came to the general's house. On December 1st, 1978, Pope John Paul II declared her venerable. She was forced to wear heavy chains to prevent her from escaping, as she had tried to do by enteringthe forest, where she experienced for the first time the guidance of a divine light; but, having avoided the danger of the jaws of fierce beasts, she was once again captured by deception. Spanish court to investigate artists for exhibiting blasphemous sculptures, Full text of Bishop Paul Coakleys pastoral letter on gender dysphoria, transgender movement, Hundreds of faithful gather in prayer for Pope Francis at Budapests oldest parish church, Pope Francis says he did not lose consciousness before hospitalization in March, Pope Francis warns of technological domination, threat to human ecology at university in Hungary, The Good Shepherd calls us to open our hearts to love, Pope Francis says at Mass in Hungary, TEXT: Dont be couch potatoes! Pope Francis urges youth. She was baptized on January 9, 1890 and took the name Josephine Margaret and Fortunata. Pope John Paul II canonized Josephine Bakhita in 2000. Due to her family lineage, she grew up happy and relatively prosperous, saying that as a child, she did not know suffering. Your email address will not be published. She was kidnapped as a child and sold into slavery, eventually working in Italy as a nanny for a wealthy family. Died: 1947 in Italy Her fourth owner was a Turkish general, and she had to serve his mother-in-law and his wife, who were cruel to their slaves. Surrounded by the sisters, she died at age 78. Born in a village in Sudan, kidnapped by slavers, often beaten and abused, and later sold to Federico Marin, a Venetian merchant, Bakhita then came to Italy and became the nanny servant of Federico's daughter, Aurora, who had lost her mother at birth. It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. In 1883, the Turkish general sold her to the Italian Vice Consul, Callisto Legani. She then remained in the catechumenate for four more years. Continue reading about St. Josephine Bakhita, St. Josephine Bakhita Sterling Silver Oval Pendant, St. Josephine Bakhita Pendant (14 Karat Gold Filled), Submit a Rosary Prayer Request to be Read Live Online. Saint Josephine Bakhita is the patron saint of Sudan and her feast day is celebrated on February 8. She was born in Sudan, Africa to a loving, and prosperous family. Slaves also served to vent the anger of their masters who found sadistic pleasure in hearing them cry out in pain. The theme: With Bakhita at the school of humanity was chosen in Schio following an encounter between the Schio-Sudan Bakhita Association, the parish of Saint Peters, where theShrine of Saint Bakhita is located and we Canossian sisters, members of the community where Mother Moretta (Black Mother) lived, almost continuously, from 1902 until 8 February 1947. She was sold several times, and had eight masters, including the intermediaries, like the kidnappers, who sought the propitious opportunity to resell her for a greater profit. Saint Josephine Bakhita is the patron saint of Sudan and her feast day is celebrated on February 8. The consul was her guarantee. If anyone asked her how she was, she would reply, "As the master desires.". Shop St. Josephine Bakhita. Her own story, in turn, can serve as a balm for others. To all our readers, Please don't scroll past this. She was sold not just once, but multiple times. Saint Alexander's feast day is February 26. When it was time for him to return to Italy, she begged to be taken with him, and he agreed. She was deeply moved by her time with the sisters and discerned a call to follow Christ. Slavery was illegal in Italy, so Bakhita was able to leave her Italian owners and follow Gods calling for her. Spend some time reflecting on areas of your life where you are not free. She had brothers, sisters, and loving parents. She told about how the general's wife ordered her to be scarred. Advertising Any unauthorized use, without prior written consent of Catholic Online is strictly forbidden and prohibited. Josephine Bakhita is the Patron Saint of Human Trafficking. She also cared for war victims during world war 1. In 2000, she was declared a saint by the Roman Catholic Church. In 1885, to avoid the danger to his life as a result ofpolitical unrest, Consul Legnani was forced to leave Africa and Bakhita convinced him to take her with him. When the child was about seven months old, Bakhita accompanied her to Suakin in Africa, where, in the hotel bought by the Michieli family, she experienced the awful conditions she would have fallen back into, had she stayed there. She rubbed the wounds with salt to make the scars permanent. She also received the sacraments of her first holy communion and confirmation on the same day. Grateful to her teachers, she recalled, "Those holy mothers instructed me with heroic patience and introduced me to that God who from childhood I had felt in my heart without knowing who He was. She was born around the year 1869 in the African country of Sudan, in the region of Darfur, in the city of Olgossa. Pope Francis visits with children in Budapest with visual impairments. How can you, your family, or an organization you belong to reach out in solidarity. The terrified girl was bought and sold at least two times over the next few months and forced to walk hundreds of miles on foot to a slave market in Al-Ubayyi in south-central Sudan. This caused the superior of the institute for baptismal candidates among the sisters to complain to Italian authorities on Josephine's behalf. The case went to court, and the court found that slavery had been outlawed in Sudan before Josephine was born, so she could not be lawfully made slave. Bakhita's skin underwent the painful and horrendous Sudanese custom of scarring slaves - where a pattern was cut into the skin with a razor. Salt was poured into each of the wounds. On February 8, the Church commemorates the life of St. Josephine Bakhita, a Canossian Sister who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in Sudan. She was deeply moved by her time with the sisters and discerned a call to follow Christ. She was eventually assigned to a convent in Schio, Vicenza. He was a much kinder master and he did not beat her. She became a Canossian nun in December 1896 and remained at the convent for another 42 years. Her new owners took her to their family villa at Zianigo, near Mirano, Veneto, about 25km (16mi) west of Venice. At the age of nine, she was kidnapped and sold into slavery, where a series of owners humiliated, tortured and mutilated her. After the years of trauma that she endured, she did not remember the name her parents had given her and went by Bakhita from then on. Bakhita was not a Christian, but she had always looked to the night sky and wanted to know the One who had created the moon and stars. 29-32. Thank you. But that was not the end of her story. As a slave, her experiences varied from fair treatment to cruel. The details and exact timing of her emancipation vary, but it seems that the mother superior petitioned the Italian authorities on Josephines behalf, and the issue was brought before the court. She was gentle and charismatic, and was often referred to lovingly as the "little brown sister" or honorably as the "black mother.". Daily Prayer. She was forced to walk barefoot about 960 kilometres (600mi) to El-Obeid and was sold and bought twice before she arrived there. "[10], She once said that the most terrifying of all of her memories there was when she (along with other slaves) was marked by a process resembling both scarification and tattooing, which was a traditional practice throughout Sudan. A total of 114 intricate patterns were cut into her breasts, belly and into her right arm.[13][14]. For the first time in her life, Josephine was free and could choose what to do with her life. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. As punishment, she was beaten so severely she was incapacitated for a month. Venezuelan migrant thanks God, recounts journey through dangerous jungle to U.S. Her body may have been devastated by cruelty, but not her soul, which was always aware of an innate dignity which only we can destroy in ourselves. In 1883, the Turkish general sold her to the Italian Vice Consul, Callisto Legani. Josephine was born in the Daju village of Olgossa in Darfur. She seems to be always ready, on the right hand of her Master, ready to become his spokesperson to help us and support us in the trials of life. Her uncle was a tribal chief, and her family was relatively prosperous. The first steps toward her beatification began in 1959. This is the awareness of those who recognize in her a prophecy for these times of migration flows towards Italy, a land considered by many as the doorway to Europe. For the next 12 years she would be bought, sold and given away over a dozen times. It was that freedom of spirit that allowed her to follow her heart and live her true vocation. She said, "during that time I could hear more and more clearly the gentle voice of the Lord, urging me to consecrate myself to God. She was a member of the Daju people and her uncle was a tribal chief. Saint Angela of Foligno's feast day is February 28. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. When her mistress returned from Sudan, Josephine refused to leave. On December 1st, 1978, Pope John Paul II declared her venerable. This project was carried out in collaboration between the municipality and the diocesan Caritas. Read his story here. She was often beaten and kicked and whipped. But just nine months later, Pope John Paul II visited Sudan and honored her publicly. Zanini, Roberto Italo (2013). Saint Josephine Bakhita A Woman of Faith and Forgiveness Born: 1869 in Sudan Died: 1947 in Italy Beatified: May 17, 1992 Canonized: October 1, 2000 Introduction February 8 is the feast day of Saint Josephine Bakhita.
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