Author and Publisher - Catholic Online In 1958, the process of canonization began for Josephine under Pope John XXIII. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. In St. Josephine Bakhita we find a shining advocate of genuine emancipation. This decentralization from herself manifested a creative generosity; for this was already the beginning of a path of redemption that rooted altruism in her. Saint Bakhita seems to be a made-to-measure saint to comfort the peace and reconciliation workers of our time. Josephine Bakhita was made a saint on by October 1, 2000 by Pope John Paul ll. By the end of 1882, El-Obeid came under the threat of an attack of Mahdist revolutionaries. Six years later she entered the Canossian Sisters convent in Schio, Italy. When visited and asked how she was, shed respond: "As the Master desires.". Also known as: Josephine Margaret Bakhita, Mother Josephine Bakhita. But she always remained cheerful. Saint Angela of Foligno's feast day is February 28. Her story is noteworthy. She would suffer a total of 114 scars from this abuse. -. Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. "[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. [18] For the first time in her life, Bakhita found herself in control of her own destiny, and she chose to remain with the Canossians. Bakhita became a nanny for her new family, and she and her young charge lived at the convent run by the Canossian Sisters in Venice. Josephine Bakhita was born around 1869 in Sudan. Josephine was her confirmation name. As she said: If I were to meet those who kidnapped me, or even those who tortured me, I would kneel down and kiss their hands. I thought I would die, especially when salt was poured in the wounds it was by a miracle of God I didn't die. When speaking of her enslavement, she often professed she would thank her kidnappers. Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. Bakhita became devoted to the child. Josephine Bakhita is the Patron Saint of Human Trafficking. Over the course of twelve years (18771889) she was sold three more times and then she was finally given her freedom. While she was in the custody of the sisters, she came to learn about God. She was sold not just once, but multiple times. What did she do while she was ministering She ministered as a cook, seamstress, sacristan, and doorkeeper, living simply and lovingly. Italian saint and former slave (18691947), Dagnino, p.10. 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. Daily Prayer. LIVED: Bakhita was born in 1869 in Sudan. Saint of the Day for Monday, May 1st, 2023. Permission Guidelines The sisters answered her questions. Any unauthorized use, without prior written consent of Catholic Online is strictly forbidden and prohibited. Top 10 facts about Josephine THE Empress Josephine of France, first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, died 200 years ago today, on May 29, 1814. Renew your gift subscription On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, as organizations, governments, and individuals all over the world pause to rededicate themselves to their anti-trafficking goals, it is important that we listen to the stories of survivors and let them guide us in our work. 1) Sudanese-Italian Canossian nun who survived 12 years of brutal slavery. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a24650c9343008eb8a6585a97221ebfb" );document.getElementById("c8429a34be").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. New Subscription For many years, Josephine Bakhita was a slave but her spirit was always free and eventually that spirit prevailed. "It is an act of justice for the rich to help the poor." Saint Josephine, affectionately known as Bakhita ("fortunate one"), was born in the southern Sudan region of Darfur. Death: February 8, 1947. For the rest of her life, Bakhita remained in Italy and lived as a free woman. 3) Her feast day marks an international day of prayer and awareness against human trafficking. In some instances these are homes that hosted her during her life, and which have now been made available for humanitarian corridors as in Olate in the province of Lecco or they are employment training centres, even places to play football in high risk areas. The figure pointed the way to go, and Bakhita led her companion in that direction. [20], On 7 December 1893, Josephine Bakhita entered the novitiate of the Canossian Sisters and on 8 December 1896, she took her vows, welcomed by Cardinal Sarto. For 10 years, this inheritance has been taken up by the Bakhita Committee which has now become an Association in order to continue the caring work that today Bakhita would have liked to carry out for her own people. For the next 42 years of her life, she worked as a cook and a doorkeeper at the convent. It is the process of life that discovers happiness in being free in order to free humanity (n. 9-10, n. 114, n. 188, n. 213, n. 224); we are called to live a happy friendship as a fullness of humanity (n. 8, n. 27, n. 91-92, n. 200) and to communicate it with the humanizing power of tenderness (n. 88, n. 270- 272, n. 274, n. 284). Josephines body was mutilated by those who enslaved her, but they could not touch her spirit. The sisters answered her questions. What a great grace it is to know God!. 2023 Loyola Press. She and other enslaved women were forced to undergo a traditional Sudanese practice that left her permanently scarred with 114 patterns cut into her skin and rubbed with salt and flour. But the girls had no idea where they were going. One of her owners was a Turkish general who gave her to his wife and mother-in-law who both beat her daily. She rubbed the wounds with salt to make the scars permanent. Saint Bakhita is still with us today. When Mrs. Michieli returned to fetch her daughter and the enslaved nanny, Josephine resolutely refused to leave the institute. Saint Josephine Bakhita was born to a wealthy family in Sudan in 1869. Her Baptism set her on an eventual path toward asserting her civic freedom and then service to Gods people as a Canossian Sister. Public Domain via Wikimedia. The map of Sudan here shows the village of Olgossa (. When Mimmina was old enough to be sent to a boarding school in Venice, Bakhita accompanied her. She was eventually assigned to a convent in Schio, Vicenza. Heavenly Father, through the intercession of Saint Bakhita, grant us a poor and simple heart, like that of Mary and of your Son who became poor for the love of us. She felt that she was always walking in the light, guided by the One she did not know, but who she knew was present in the circumstances that brought her to Italy, allowing her to know and love Jesus who for us who are His children was crucified, and she was joyful to belong to him as his bride. He canonized her on October 1, 2000. Continue reading about St. Josephine Bakhita, St. Josephine Bakhita 14 Karat Gold Filled Pendant, St. Josephine Bakhita Pendant (14 Karat Gold Filled), Submit a Rosary Prayer Request to be Read Live Online. MISSION: As a girl, Bakhita would look up at the moon and stars, resolving to serve their Master. She was beatified on 17 May 1992 and canonized on 1 October 2000. Yes, she is a Catholic saint, but her story can serve as an inspiration to all, no matter what their religious beliefs may be. Because, if those things had not happened, I would not have become a Christian and would not be a Sister today.. and faith. Josephine wrote that as soon as one wound would heal, they would inflict another. She used the flour to draw patterns on her skin and then she cut deeply along the lines before filling the wounds with salt to ensure permanent scarring. In her later years, she began to suffer physical pain and was forced to use a wheelchair. Without hesitation, she replied: "If I were to meet those who kidnapped me, and even those who tortured me, I would kneel and kiss their hands. Despite the trauma that Bakhita endured, she was able to find direction and value in her life, which can serve as an example and a solace to all who suffer, especially those who have been exploited. The day when her life turned into a nightmare, that terrified 9-year-old girl forgot everything, even her . Despite the terrible things she had endured, Bakhita dedicated the rest of her life to serving God, her fellow sisters, and mankind; she was a much beloved, respected member of her community. Saint Josephine Margaret Bakhita was born around 1869 in the village of Olgossa in the Darfur region of Sudan. With a passion to eradicate human trafficking, Elizabeth Lee is ATIs Volunteer/Intern Coordinator and Senior Advisor. 5 things the Catholic woman should keep in her purse, St. Marculf: Saint of the Day for Monday, May 01, 2023, To Saint Peregrine: Prayer of the Day for Monday, May 01, 2023. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. On the same day, she was also confirmed and received Holy Communion from Archbishop Giuseppe Sarto, the Cardinal Patriarch of Venice and later Pope Pius X. If anyone asked her how she was, she would reply, "As the master desires.". In 1958, the process of canonization began for Josephine under Pope John XXIII. 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.. Her uncle was a tribal chief, and her family was relatively prosperous. She left Venice and arrived in Schio in 1902, after simply replying: Yes, Father, to the question concerning her transfer. During World War II, the people of the village of Schio regarded her as their protector. ATIs tools are designed to ensure that your efforts deliver effective results. Bakhita Charities is named after her. In March 1885 they left Suakin for Italy and arrived at the port of Genoa in April. It was that freedom of spirit that allowed her to follow her heart and live her true vocation. 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. Read his story here. Due to her family lineage, she grew up happy and relatively prosperous, saying that as a child, she did not know suffering. She was baptized in 1890 and given the name Josephine. She was a source of encouragement. Whether airline employees, medical professionals, teachers, social workers, law enforcement, or businesses,ATI stops trafficking before it startsby partnering with you at the community-level toeliminate the threat. Illuminato Checchini, administrator of the Michieli family, who had fatherly feelings for her, was waiting for her in Zianigo. Find out where they obtain services in your community, and volunteer to help. She rubbed the wounds with salt to make the scars permanent. She felt that she had always known God as the creator of all things and was deeply moved by the story of Jesus and by the answers she received from the sisters. The Patriarch of Venice was informed, and he sought the advice of the Kings attorney. To all our readers, Please don't scroll past this. Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. 6 Facts About St Josephine Bakhita. Corrections? Historians believe that sometime in February 1877, Josephine was kidnapped by Arab slave traders. 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. The testimonies present us her filial, apostolic which will see us meet again in Heaven and fraternal friendship. [11][12] As her mistress was watching her with a whip in her hand, a dish of white flour, a dish of salt and a razor were brought by a woman. Those whom man enslaves, let God set free. For the event, some Canossian sisters travelled from Verona to hold a vigil with young people [with the theme]: A light in the night against human trafficking. As punishment, she was beaten so severely she was incapacitated for a month. She left for the second time, a land she felt she would never see again. Vatican City, Feb 3, 2022 / 10:15 am (CNA). [14] In May 1992, news of her beatification was banned by Khartoum which Pope John Paul II visited nine months later. Saint John Cassian's feast day is February 29. The Michielis brought Bakhita with them back to the Sudan where they stayed for nine months before returning to Italy. After a while, she came round again. She served her convent humbly, cooking, embroidering, and sewing, and was responsible for attending the door of the convent to welcome visitors, where she was noted for her warm smile and hospitality. Five interesting facts about St. Josephine Bakhita is she was a former slave who became a Canossian Religious sister in Italy. Children and adults alike flocked to her, enjoying her good heart, good nature, good works, and her love of people. Even while she was outwardly denied freedom and human dignity, her spirit was free. 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. 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. After that, she was sold. Printable Catholic Saints PDFs. She soon became well loved by the children attending the sisters school and the local citizens. They treated her relatively well, until after offending one of her owner's sons, wherein the son lashed and kicked her so severely that she spent more than a month unable to move from her straw bed. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law. Bakhita's skin underwent the painful and horrendous Sudanese custom of scarring slaves - where a pattern was cut into the skin with a razor. Who are the immigrants in your local community? 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. Copyright 2022 Catholic Online. You will need: colored construction . Shop St. Josephine Bakhita. During the ensuing court case, the Canossian Sisters and the patriarch of Venice intervened on Josephines behalf. 2) The name 'Bakhita' was given to her by her ensalver, it means "lucky" or "fortunate". We do not know her exact birthdate, but we know that she was born in the village of Olgossa, which is near Darfur, Sudan. She has her M.S. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Printable Catholic Saints PDFs We serve youth, parents, and those on the frontlines of combatting human trafficking. Josephine entered the Institute of St. Magdalene of Canossa in 1893 and made her profession three years later. Our mistress stood behind us, whip in hand. Her new owners took her to their family villa at Zianigo, near Mirano, Veneto, about 25km (16mi) west of Venice. We ask for your prayers and intercessions for those enslaved among us. She also cared for war victims during world war 1. How might God be calling you to greater freedom in this area? The six Eucharistic celebrations of the Solemnity of Saint Bakhita in Schio, also recalled the sacrifices made for the cause by Don Antonio Doppio and Don Giacomo Bravo, who died in Sudan, the native land of Saint Bakhita, where they had gone to start solidarity projects. Reception centres, training courses or places named after Saint Bakhita are being built throughout various parts of Italy. He had paid for her journey and had entrusted her to friends in Genoa, provided that they treated her well, thus guaranteeing her food, home and a job. This caused the superior of the institute for baptismal candidates among the sisters to complain to Italian authorities on Josephine's behalf. Selling his house and lands took longer than expected. Death: February 8, 1947. 1751 Pinnacle Drive Suite 600 | McLean, Virginia 22102, National Human Trafficking Intelligence Center, Parent Coalition to End Human Trafficking. Her story is noteworthy. She is the only saint originally from Sudan and she is now the patron saint of Sudan. St Josephine Bakhita, also known as 'Mother Moretta' was kidnapped at the age of nine and sold into slavery. Suakin on the Red Sea was besieged but remained in Anglo-Egyptian hands. Thus, from 13 to 16 years old she experienced a Christian welcome and civil respect. 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. [9], In El-Obeid, Bakhita was bought by a rich Arab who used her as a maid for his two daughters. 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. When she had made her patterns; the woman took the razor and made incisions along the lines. Her black skin revealed different ancestry and a different life experience. Now she looked to the sky for guidance once morebut this time, to her surprise, she saw a beautiful figure, bathed in light and smiling at her. In Venice, her story of ransom from slavery, the gift of her faith was well known. [25], Bakhita's legacy is that transformation is possible through suffering. She was known for her gentle voice and smile. February 8 is the feast day of Saint Josephine Bakhita. He was a much kinder master and he did not beat her. She was baptized and confirmed in 1890, taking the name Josephine. And although bombs fell on their village, not one citizen died. Known as Mimmina, she was treated like a daughter by Bakhita. It was there that Bakhita first heard the gospel and believed that it was Gods will that she be free. But just nine months later, Pope John Paul II visited Sudan and honored her publicly. Canonized: October 1, 2000 by Pope John Paul II. Over the next decade of enslavement, Josephine was passed from owner to owner, bought and sold so many times that she forgot her birth name. In 1883, Bakhita was sold to an Italian family who treated her with kindness and respect. Beatified: May 17, 1992 by Pope John Paul II. Her most Get Access Saint Rita Research Paper Saint Rita of Cascia was a girl who always showed an early desire to become a noun at a young age. Alice Michieli was born in Zianigo, the municipality of Mirano in the Veneto region, in 1886. Her constant smile, humility and simplicity won peoples hearts. Saint Josephine Margaret Bakhita was born around 1869 in the village of Olgossa in the Darfur region of Sudan . Her body lay on display for three days afterwards. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. Her special charisma and reputation for sanctity were noticed by her order; the first publication of her story (Storia Meravigliosa by Ida Zanolini) in 1931, made her famous throughout Italy. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. 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. Seeing no one around, they linked hands and ran into the countryside as fast as their legs could go. Beatified: May 17, 1992 by Pope John Paul II. Towards the end of her testimony at the canonization process, where she recounted her meetings with Mother Bakhita which inspired her first biography entitled Storia meravigliosa(Tale of Wonder) in 1931, she said: When I wrote the story of Bakhita I scrupulously followed the accounts and considerations that Mother Bakhita had told me in Venice. Josephine was declared free on the grounds that slavery was not recognized in Italy and had been outlawed in Darfur before her birth. 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. Her kidnappers gave her the name Bakhita, meaning "fortunate. 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. She was gentle and charismatic, and was often referred to lovingly as the "little brown sister" or honorably as the "black mother.". [3][22] During the Second World War (19391945) she shared the fears and hopes of the townspeople, who considered her a saint and felt protected by her presence. Josephine Margaret Bakhita, F.D.C.C. In Pope Francis Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, we grasped the indications of a path, that is, of a school of humanity, defined in the words of Romano Guardini, who calls human fullness the possibility to live humanly, equally shared with all those who are in the same place (cf. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Her owners named her Bakhita, Arabic for lucky or fortunate. Faith can be an important component in the road to recovery for many survivors, as was the case for Bakhita. In 1883, the Turkish general sold her to the Italian Vice Consul, Callisto Legani. 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. Sadly, the news of her beatification in 1992 was censored in Sudan. Bakhita herself never mentions this incident. [16] Two years later, when Legnani himself had to return to Italy, Bakhita begged to go with him. Her owners named her Bakhita, Arabic for lucky or fortunate.
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