Advertising A total of 114 intricate patterns were cut into her breasts, belly and into her right arm.[13][14]. She was beatified on 17 May 1992 and canonized on 1 October 2000. Activity: The Kindness Chain. Due to her family lineage, she grew up happy and relatively prosperous, saying that as a child, she did not know suffering. This is the secret of her inner freedom, of her upstanding will, of her courageous choices born of a hope which does not disappoint, but sustains faith and charity of heart. Born in Olgossa in the Darfur region of southern Sudan, Josephine was kidnapped at the age of 7, sold into slavery and given the name Bakhita, which meansfortunate. It was that freedom of spirit that allowed her to follow her heart and live her true vocation. The first steps toward her beatification began in 1959. Public Domain via Wikimedia. Shop St. Josephine Bakhita. She also traveled and visited other convents telling her story to other sisters and preparing them for work in Africa. Also known as: Josephine Margaret Bakhita, Mother Josephine Bakhita. When Mimmina was old enough to be sent to a boarding school in Venice, Bakhita accompanied her. Bakhita was grateful for the kindness she discovered in the heart of those who were so different from her, but she could not remember [the location of] her village. Shop St. Josephine Bakhita. "Rejoice, all of Africa! It was then that we felt how in these years the passage from testimony to devotion was taking place. In 2000, she was declared a saint, the first Black woman to receive the honor in the modern era. Josephine Bakhita was made a saint on by October 1, 2000 by Pope John Paul ll. She was also known as Mother Moretta, our Black Mother. St Josephine Bakhita, also known as 'Mother Moretta' was kidnapped at the age of nine and sold into slavery. Once, they hid behind a thorn hedge for two hours while a long caravan passed nearby. 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. In 2000, she was declared a saint by the Roman Catholic Church. The map of Sudan here shows the village of Olgossa (. 3) Her feast day marks an international day of prayer and awareness against human trafficking. But the girls had no idea where they were going. Death: February 8, 1947. As she grew older, she experienced long, painful years of sickness, but she continued to persevere in hope, constantly choosing the good. On December 1st, 1978, Pope John Paul II declared her venerable. We increase awareness and teach you how to intercept trafficking as early as possible. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. 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 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. Because, if those things had not happened, I would not have become a Christian and would not be a Sister today.. Josephine Bakhita, you were sold into slavery as a child 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. 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. Bakhita wanted to become a Christian, to receive baptism. . Your email address will not be published. She was known for her gentle voice and smile. Renew your gift subscription [15] The Turkish general began making preparations to return to his homeland and sold his slaves. Hi readers, it seems you use Catholic Online a lot; that's great! (ca. She was declared free. Where would she be taken? Even while she was outwardly denied freedom and human dignity, her spirit was free. Saint Josephine Bakhita, pray for us. On that 8 February 1947, young and old still sought her for a greeting, to touch her hand, still soft and warm, and to receive a last caress from her: they wanted to hold her forever. It is interesting what Ida Zanolini, a lay Canossian woman who published Mother Bakhitas first biography, wrote about her. In her final days she relived the agony of her enslavement and is said to have called out, Please, loosen the chains. [11] She lived there for three years and became nanny to the Michieli's daughter Alice, known as 'Mimmina', born in February 1886. February 8 is the feast day of Saint Josephine Bakhita. [14] In May 1992, news of her beatification was banned by Khartoum which Pope John Paul II visited nine months later. Saint Josephine Margaret Bakhita was born around 1869 in the village of Olgossa in the Darfur region of Sudan. She then died. 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. She was known for her gentle voice and smile. By. She rubbed the wounds with salt to make the scars permanent. In 1958, the process of canonization began for Josephine under Pope John XXIII. The sisters answered her questions. Bakhita wished to stay in Italy when her owners readied for a relocation. Children who are now elderly, told us to call her Mother Moretta, because this is her name for us. Bulk Subscription, About She lived a very humble and simple life in the convent doing various jobs such as cooking, sewing, embroidering, and attending to the door of the convent. Josephine Bakhita was born around 1869 in Sudan. Indeed, there are over 30,000 faithful who have been coming annually to Schio to [visit] Saint Bakhita from every region of Italy and from all the continents. Bakhita converted to Christianity and was baptized and confirmed in 1890. Copyright 2022 Catholic Online. 800-621-1008 Please review our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. But that was not the end of her story. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. 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. In 2018, we published the testimonies of those who actually knew Mother Bakhita. It wasnt long before Bakhita realized they were lost. He gave her her first crucifix and had the idea of having her live with the little girl she took care of, at the Catechumens of Venice, a place where she could be educated and learn about the love of Jesus and the Gospel of salvation. It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. 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. Due to her family lineage, she grew up happy and relatively prosperous, saying that as a child, she did not know suffering. Someone asked her, "How are you? Illuminato Checchini, administrator of the Michieli family, who had fatherly feelings for her, was waiting for her in Zianigo. For the next 42 years of her life, she worked as a cook and a doorkeeper at the convent. She once said, Be good, love the Lord, pray for those who do not know Him. She told about how the general's wife ordered her to be scarred. Pope Francis visits with children in Budapest with visual impairments. 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. ADVENTURES: Many weeks after being kidnapped, Bakhita found herself at a slave market, chained to another girl her age. Over the course of twelve years (18771889) she was sold three more times and then she was finally given her freedom. Surrounded by the sisters, she died at age 78. You will need: colored construction . 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. For three days, her body lay in repose while thousands of people arrived to pay their respects. Saint Gabriel Francis Possenti's feast day is February 28. Read her story here. And although bombs fell on their village, not one citizen died. Her new owners took her to their family villa at Zianigo, near Mirano, Veneto, about 25km (16mi) west of Venice. On the evening of February 8, 1947, Josephine spoke her last words, "Our Lady, Our Lady!" The assignment was easy until she offended her owner's son, possibly for the crime of breaking a vase. She chose to remain with the Canossian Sisters. Today is Saturday," probably hoping that this would cheer her because Saturday is the day of the week dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus. Renew Your Subscription You can read more about Elizabeth on her ATI leadership profile page. 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. The next fifty years of her life were marked by simplicity, witnessing to Gods love through cooking, sewing, embroidery and attending to the door. For had she not been kidnapped, she might never have come to know Jesus Christ and entered His Church. She became a novice at the Institute of St. Magdalene of Canossa on December 7, 1893, and took her final vows in 1896. 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. She was surrounded by a loving family of three brothers and three sisters; as she says in her autobiography: "I lived a very happy and carefree life, without knowing what suffering was".[5]. LIVED: Bakhita was born in 1869 in Sudan. 2023 Loyola Press. On February 8, the Church commemorates the life of St. Josephine Bakhita, a Canossian Sister who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in Sudan. When a wound from the whip began to heal, other blows would pour down on me. On 17 May 1992, she was declared Blessed and given 8 February as her feast day. The woman had a dish of white flour, a dish of salt and a razor. 26. 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. In total, she bore 144 physical scars for the rest of her life. It was there that Bakhita first heard the gospel and believed that it was Gods will that she be free. 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. Beatified: May 17, 1992 6 Facts About St Josephine Bakhita 1) Sudanese-Italian Canossian nun who survived 12 years of brutal slavery. The daughter of Sudan sold into slavery as a living piece of merchandise and yet still free. She was baptized and confirmed in 1890, taking the name Josephine. These were her last audible words.[23]. He was a much kinder master and he did not beat her. Born in the village of Olgossa (Darfur, Sudan) in 1869, Bakhita had a twin sister, she was loved and she lived peacefully. Birth: 1869. Children and adults alike flocked to her, enjoying her good heart, good nature, good works, and her love of people. At the age of nine, she was kidnapped and sold into slavery, where a series of owners humiliated, tortured and mutilated her. Required fields are marked *. and faith. We are a team of people dedicated to defeating the scourge of human trafficking through uniquely targeted programs. This ironic new name did not describe the brutal and humiliating treatment Bakhita received on a daily basis. I thought I would die, especially when salt was poured in the wounds it was by a miracle of God I didn't die. She was eventually assigned to a convent in Schio. 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. 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. Customer Service Sharing the Word for May 1, 2023 Fourth Week of Easter Year 1. [24], The petitions for her canonization began immediately, and the process commenced by Pope John XXIII in 1959, twelve years after her death. She wanted to be good, to obey the one who gave her joy in following his voice that enlightened her from the heart. (ca. 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. For the next 42 years of her life, she worked as a cook and a doorkeeper at the convent. Caritas Bakhita House in London, which provides accommodation and support for women escaping human trafficking, is named in her honour. Bakhita has come back to you. She was often beaten and kicked and whipped. When Pope Francis enlightens us on social justice, to give us the joy of the Gospel, he seems to illustrate the program already carried out by Saint Bakhita that uses the word humanity to describe what, instead, was inhuman, such as the treatment of slaves. Her trauma was so great that she forgot her birth name and her kidnappers gave her the name Bakhita which means fortunate. Her sacraments were administered by Archbishop Giuseppe Sarto, who would later become Pope Pius X. This project was carried out in collaboration between the municipality and the diocesan Caritas. She was deeply moved by her time with the sisters and discerned a call to follow Christ. Saint Bakhita seems to be a made-to-measure saint to comfort the peace and reconciliation workers of our time. Beatified: May 17, 1992 by Pope John Paul II. Forced to walk 600 miles to southern Sudan, she was bought and sold before arriving in El Obeid. When Bakhita was seven or eight, Arab slave traders kidnapped her and sold her into slavery. After a while, she came round again. She was a member of the Daju people and her uncle was a tribal chief. She was given away to another family as a gift and she served them as a nanny. Any unauthorized use, without prior written consent of Catholic Online is strictly forbidden and prohibited. My face was spared, but 6 patterns were designed on my breasts, and 60 more on my belly and arms. Although she was just a child, she was forced to walk barefoot over 600 miles to a slave market in El Obeid. Since the villa in Zianigo was already sold, Bakhita and Mimmina needed a temporary place to stay while Micheli went to Sudan without them. The Canossian Sisters went to court on her behalf and helped her obtain her freedom. Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. Her uncle was a tribal chief, and her family was relatively prosperous. She lay in state for three days, and mourners noticed that her limbs remained flexible. For her arrival in Italy, there had been no need for a passport. When the Michielis returned from Africa and wanted to take Mimmina and Josephine back with them, the future saint refused to go. Saint Bakhitas feast day is celebrated on February 8. The figure pointed the way to go, and Bakhita led her companion in that direction. 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. Bakhita became devoted to the child. It is said that the trauma of her abduction caused her to forget her original name; she took one given to her by the slavers, bakhta (), Arabic for 'lucky' or 'fortunate'. Amen. 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. Later in life, she devoted herself to promoting Catholic missions to Africa. 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. A young student once asked Bakhita: "What would you do, if you were to meet your captors?" She was forced to walk barefoot about 960 kilometres (600mi) to El-Obeid and was sold and bought twice before she arrived there. 6 Facts About St Josephine Bakhita. 42743. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. 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. Through Christ Our Lord. She was a member of the Daju people and her uncle was a tribal chief. In 1883, Bakhita was bought in Khartoum by the Italian Vice Consul Callisto Legnani, who did not beat or punish her. [26] On 10 February 1993, he solemnly honoured Bakhita on her own soil. She is the patron saint of Sudan and of victims of human trafficking. But she always remained cheerful. How might God be calling you to greater freedom in this area? [2] She was one of the Daju people;[3][4] her respected and reasonably prosperous father was brother of the village chief. 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. While she was in the custody of the sisters, she came to learn about God. Bakhita is a saint in the Catholic Church. In the slave markets, where she was put up for sale, she always hoped to recognize her sister who had been kidnapped two years before her. She was gentle and charismatic, and was often referred to lovingly as the "little brown sister" or honorably as the "black mother.". Bakhita died at 8:10 PM on 8 February 1947. Read his story here. 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. 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. . She died on 8 February 1947 in the country of Italy, in the city of Vincenza. By William Hartston 00:00, Thu, May 29, 2014 Bookmark. Seeing no one around, they linked hands and ran into the countryside as fast as their legs could go. Although Bakhita never learned to read and write, she became well versed in scripture and told her story, which became her astounding biography. 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. An example followed by her successors, who pointed her out both to scholars and the poor, declaring her patroness of the victims and those who work to free people from all slavery, touching the flesh of Christ in those they serve. She became a Canossian nun in December 1896 and remained at the convent for another 42 years. 98% of our readers don't give; they simply look the other way. This African flower, who knew the anguish of kidnapping and slavery, bloomed marvelously in Italy, in response to God's grace, with the Daughters of Charity. Augusto Michieli acquired a large hotel there and decided to sell his property in Italy and to move his family to Sudan permanently. If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. Another owner, a Turkish general, gave Josephine to his wife and mother-in-law, who would beat her daily. While she was in the custody of the sisters, she came to learn about God. Bakhita, the first canonized Sudanese saint, led the way for those who today seek among us hope for their life. 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. For many years, Josephine Bakhita was a slave but her spirit was always free and eventually that spirit prevailed. 3) Her feast day marks an international day of prayer and awareness against human trafficking. She could not recall the name given to her at birth by her parents after she suffered repeated terrible humiliation, both physical and moral, as a result of being kidnapped by slave traders at the age of 7 and sold and re-sold . 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. One of her owners was a Turkish general who gave her to his wife and mother-in-law who both beat her daily. Assisted suicide in the United States: Where is it legal? a quick bio of st. josephine bakhita. She was sold not just once, but multiple times. Indeed, realizing that she could not return home, little Bakhita, lifted up her innocent face and saw God. She was bought and sold at least twice during the grueling journey. In St. Josephine Bakhita we find a shining advocate of genuine emancipation. Author and Publisher - Catholic Online. Saint Katharine Drexel was a contemplative in action whose work serving the poor inspires us today. She had brothers, sisters, and loving parents. Bakhita came to believe it was her guardian angel, who stayed with her all along, guiding her to God. New Subscription Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. 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. Italian saint and former slave (18691947), Dagnino, p.10. Her owners named her Bakhita, Arabic for lucky or fortunate. 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.". Dagnino, pp. For the first time in her life, Josephine was free and could choose what to do with her life. She had freely chosen to belong to God, by whom she felt loved, and accepted once again the separation from those she loved. During her 42 years in Schio, Bakhita was employed as the cook, sacristan, and portress (doorkeeper) and was in frequent contact with the local community. and endured untold hardship and suffering. In the extremity of her last hours, her mind was driven back to her youth in slavery and she cried out: "The chains are too tight, loosen them a little, please!" 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. But just nine months later, Pope John Paul II visited Sudan and honored her publicly. Who are the immigrants in your local community? 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. 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. Finally in possession of her human autonomy for the first time in her adult life, Josephine chose to remain with the Canossian Sisters. She chose to remain with the Canossian Sisters. She is also a patron saint for victims of slavery and trafficked persons. Birth: 1869. We do not know her exact birthdate, but we know that she was born in the village of Olgossa, which is near Darfur, Sudan. Slavery was illegal in Italy, so Bakhita was able to leave her Italian owners and follow Gods calling for her. [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. [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. Born in Darfur in 1869, Josephine Bakhita was taken by Arab slave traders when she was 9. She used a wheelchair but she retained her cheerfulness, and if asked how she was, she would always smile and answer: "As the Master desires." Her voice was pleasing to the little ones, comforting to the poor and suffering. 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. At the end of 1884 they escaped from a besieged Khartoum with a friend, Augusto Michieli. And the shining figure in the night? Saint Josephine Margaret Bakhita was born around 1869 in the village of Olgossa in the Darfur region of Sudan . He rejoiced at seeing her again. On 17 May, 1992, she was proclaimed blessed, and on 1 October of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 she was made a saint by John Paul II. Bakhita replied, "Yes, I am so happy: Our Lady Our Lady!" Her historical experience suggests anthropological and spiritual reflections that amazingly manifest the divine imprint of the Creator in a good heart which the harshness of slavery, torture and tireless work have revealed almost as a precious metal purified by fire. Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. Her story of deliverance from physical slavery also symbolises all those who find meaning and inspiration in her life for their own deliverance from spiritual slavery. Printable Catholic Saints PDFs. The Patriarch of Venice was informed, and he sought the advice of the Kings attorney. Bakhita lived and worked in various locations in Africa until an Italian consul bought her and moved his family back to their hometown of Schio, Italy. Her black skin revealed different ancestry and a different life experience. Historians believe that sometime in February 1877, Josephine was kidnapped by Arab slave traders. 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. Her body lay on display for three days afterwards. 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. Printable Catholic Saints PDFs [20] A strong missionary drive animated her throughout her entire life "her mind was always on God, and her heart in Africa".[21]. Copyright 2023 Eternal Word Television Network, Inc. Irondale, Alabama. Learn more about the people of Sudan and the ongoing conflict in their country. 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. Image credit: Saint Josephine Bakhita by unknown artist, unknown date. Through baptism she discovered that what makes us free is Gods breath in us and with this freedom she wanted to free everyone: with understanding, advice, gently, always giving thanks, saying: See you in Heaven!. 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. On 29 November 1889, at the Catechumens, something similar to a trial took place regarding her choice not to return to the life of slavery, and she was declared free. LIVED: Bakhita was born in 1869 in Sudan. At the age of 13 she was sold to a Turkish general and every day his mistresses punished her with whips and beatings. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. Continue reading about St. Josephine Bakhita St. Josephine Bakhita St. Josephine Vannini What was she known for? They are heavy! She is said to have died with a smile on her lips after seeing a vision of Our Lady coming toward her. Saint Bakhita is still with us today. The consul was her guarantee. She was seven years old when her good heart experienced the pain of seeing her companions unjustly suffer as slaves. Printable Catholic Saints PDFs As her mistress watched, ready with a whip, another woman drew patterns on her skin with flour, then cut into her flesh with a blade. She was eventually assigned to a convent in Schio, Vicenza. Every slave was always given a new name. In 1883, the Turkish general sold her to the Italian Vice Consul, Callisto Legani. She was born in Sudan, Africa to a loving, and prosperous family.
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interesting facts about saint josephine bakhita