interesting facts about saint josephine bakhita

Which services in your area address the needs of women and children in poverty? In 2000, she was declared a saint by the Roman Catholic Church. Indeed, she spent twelve years in cruel slavery. Pope John Paul II canonized Josephine Bakhita in 2000. Three fundamental passages: relationships are formed from an encounter which make us a people. At the age of nine, she was kidnapped and sold into slavery, where a series of owners humiliated, tortured and mutilated her. 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. Due to her family lineage, she grew up happy and relatively prosperous, saying that as a child, she did not know suffering. 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. She also cared for war victims during world war 1. [20] A strong missionary drive animated her throughout her entire life "her mind was always on God, and her heart in Africa".[21]. Two years later, he took Josephine to Italy and gave her to his friend Augusto Michieli. She chose to remain with the Canossian Sisters. She had brothers, sisters, and loving parents. February 8 is the feast day of Saint Josephine Bakhita. She was declared free. I am dark but beautiful: this is her song of love, the gift of her closeness to those who seek her as a humble sister freed from the love that God has planted in our hearts. For the next 12 years she would be bought, sold and given away over a dozen times. [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]. 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. Bakhita became devoted to the child. When she was on door duty, she would gently lay her hands on the heads of the children who attended the nearby school and caress them. Bakhita wanted to become a Christian, to receive baptism. She was declared free. Her owners named her Bakhita, Arabic for lucky or fortunate. Assisted suicide in the United States: Where is it legal? If you donate just $5.00, or whatever you can, Catholic Online could keep thriving for years. But just nine months later, Pope John Paul II visited Sudan and honored her publicly. She was known for her gentle voice and smile. Bakhita replied, "Yes, I am so happy: Our Lady Our Lady!" By the end of 1888, Turina Michieli wanted to see her husband in Sudan even though land transactions were unfinished. She was bought and sold at least twice during the grueling journey. Saint of the Day for Monday, May 1st, 2023. (Fortunata is the Latin translation for her Arabic name, Bakhita). Birth: 1869. Slaves also served to vent the anger of their masters who found sadistic pleasure in hearing them cry out in pain. Josephine entered the Institute of St. Magdalene of Canossa in 1893 and made her profession three years later. Renew Your Subscription She had freely chosen to belong to God, by whom she felt loved, and accepted once again the separation from those she loved. She spent so much time in captivity that she forgot her original name. We rejoiced to learn that the human integration centre in Cerignola is dedicated to her. While she was in the custody of the sisters, she came to learn about God. When Mrs. Michieli returned to fetch her daughter and the enslaved nanny, Josephine resolutely refused to leave the institute. On February 8, the Church commemorates the life of St. Josephine Bakhita, a Canossian Sister who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in Sudan. Saint Josephine Margaret Bakhita was born around 1869 in the village of Olgossa in the Darfur region of Sudan . 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. 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. These three sacraments are the sacraments of initiation into the Church and were always given together in the early Church. 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 uncle was a tribal chief, and her family was relatively prosperous. Illuminato Checchini, administrator of the Michieli family, who had fatherly feelings for her, was waiting for her in Zianigo. The assignment was easy until she offended her owner's son, possibly for the crime of breaking a vase. Permission Guidelines She was known for her gentle voice and smile. Read his story here. (ca. 2) The name 'Bakhita' was given to her by her ensalver, it means "lucky" or "fortunate". Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law. As a slave, her experiences varied from fair treatment to cruel. Historians believe that sometime in February 1877, Josephine was kidnapped by Arab slave traders. Copyright 2023 Eternal Word Television Network, Inc. Irondale, Alabama. She passed away on February 8, 1947. In 2000, she was declared a saint, the first Black woman to receive the honor in the modern era. When her mistress returned from Sudan, Josephine refused to leave. Saint Bakhita is still with us today. She was kidnapped as a child and sold into slavery, eventually working in Italy as a nanny for a wealthy family. 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. [11] She lived there for three years and became nanny to the Michieli's daughter Alice, known as 'Mimmina', born in February 1886. She was beatified on 17 May 1992 and canonized on 1 October 2000. Learn more about the people of Sudan and the ongoing conflict in their country. As she grew older, she experienced long, painful years of sickness, but she continued to persevere in hope, constantly choosing the good. As punishment, she was beaten so severely she was incapacitated for a month. Saint Bakhita lived long ago. 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. Josephine Bakhita (c. 1869 - 8 February 1947) was a Sudanese-born former slave who became a Roman Catholic Canossian nun in Italy, living and working there for 45 years. Spend some time reflecting on areas of your life where you are not free. 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. 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. In the new house she found peace of heart and dignity of the body, finally dressed not in a straw tutu but in a white robe. The day when her life turned into a nightmare, that terrified 9-year-old girl forgot everything, even her . 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. It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. What is it that enslaves you? Slavery was illegal in Italy, so Bakhita was able to leave her Italian owners and follow Gods calling for her. 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. She arrived in Italy for the first time. The consul was her guarantee. Thus, from 13 to 16 years old she experienced a Christian welcome and civil respect. Once, they hid behind a thorn hedge for two hours while a long caravan passed nearby. Bakhita underwent the excruciating ordeal of tattooing. When speaking of her enslavement, she often professed she would thank her kidnappers. To the girls who asked her if she wished to be born white she said no: for her everything her Master/her Lord had done was fine. She was baptized in 1890 and given the name Josephine. Bakhita: From Slave to Saint, p. 81. We do not know her exact birthdate, but we know that she was born in the village of Olgossa, which is near Darfur, Sudan. On 1 December 1978, Pope John Paul II declared Josephine Venerable, the first step towards canonization. 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!" But she always remained cheerful. Josephine wrote that as soon as one wound would heal, they would inflict another. 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. When the Michielis returned from Africa and wanted to take Mimmina and Josephine back with them, the future saint refused to go. Find out where they obtain services in your community, and volunteer to help. Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. 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. In 2015, her feast day became the first international day for prayer and reflection on human trafficking. 6 Facts About St Josephine Bakhita 1) Sudanese-Italian Canossian nun who survived 12 years of brutal slavery. "Rejoice, all of Africa! During World War II, the people of the village of Schio regarded her as their protector. Our mistress stood behind us, whip in hand. Something maybe not as well-known about St. Josephine Bakhita is that her body was scarred all over. Does the Bible Have Anything to do with My Life? In 1958, the process of canonization began for Josephine under Pope John XXIII. It was then that we felt how in these years the passage from testimony to devotion was taking place. 1751 Pinnacle Drive Suite 600 | McLean, Virginia 22102, National Human Trafficking Intelligence Center, Parent Coalition to End Human Trafficking. MISSION: As a girl, Bakhita would look up at the moon and stars, resolving to serve their Master. Children who are now elderly, told us to call her Mother Moretta, because this is her name for us. She told about how the general's wife ordered her to be scarred. When her mistress returned from Sudan, Josephine refused to leave. Bakhita Charities for Southern Africa, Inc. 2014 by Bakhita Charities Created with wix.com, 2014 by Bakhita Charities Created with w. Forced to walk 600 miles to southern Sudan, she was bought and sold before arriving in El Obeid. In 1902, she was transferred to the city of Schio (northeast of Verona), where she assisted her religious community through cooking, sewing, embroidery, and welcoming visitors at the door. They were met there by Augusto Michieli's wife, Maria Turina Michieli, to whom Legnani gave ownership of Bakhita. Her remains were translated to the Church of the Holy Family of the Canossian convent of Schio in 1969. Over the course of twelve years (18771889) she was sold three more times and then she was finally given her freedom. Then salt was poured into the open wounds to ensure it would scar. The Michielis brought Bakhita with them back to the Sudan where they stayed for nine months before returning to Italy. In 2000, she was declared a saint by the Roman Catholic Church. For the next 12 years she would be bought, sold and given away over a dozen times. When it was time for him to return to Italy, she begged to be taken with him, and he agreed. In 1958, the process of canonization began for Josephine under Pope John XXIII. 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. This ironic new name did not describe the brutal and humiliating treatment Bakhita received on a daily basis. 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 even received a new name at her baptism: Josephine Margaret Bakhita. 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 means fortunate. [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. 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!. It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. 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. Saint Gabriel Francis Possenti's feast day is February 28. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Josephine-Bakhita, Pope Francis venerating St. Josephine Bakhita. Her memories remind us that what bonds us is the same need for love, well beyond our individual beliefs. For the rest of her life, Bakhita remained in Italy and lived as a free woman. She told about how the general's wife ordered her to be scarred. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. But the girls had no idea where they were going. Her first owner, a wealthy Arab, gave her to his daughters as a maid. Beatified: May 17, 1992 For her arrival in Italy, there had been no need for a passport. 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. 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. Josephines body was mutilated by those who enslaved her, but they could not touch her spirit. Josephine Margaret Bakhita, F.D.C.C. 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. Customer Service:cservice @franciscanmedia.org, Technical Questions:support @franciscanmedia.org, Writers GuidelinesPrivacy PolicyPost a Prayer RequestDonor Portal. She was deeply moved by her time with the sisters and discerned a call to follow Christ. Josephine Bakhita is the Patron Saint of Human Trafficking. She said, "A woman skilled in this cruel art came to the general's house. Your email address will not be published. Although she was just a child, she was forced to walk barefoot over 600 miles to a slave market in El Obeid. 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. " Her life in captivity wasn't quite so. Bilinge: Encontrando a Dios / Finding God, Encontrando a Dios / Finding God (Espaol), Encontrando a Dios / Finding God (English), Catequistas Y Maestros / Catechists & Teachers, En El Orden Restaurado: Descripcion Del Programa, Nuestra Seora De GuadalupeOur Lady of Guadalupe. Thank you. Indeed, realizing that she could not return home, little Bakhita, lifted up her innocent face and saw God. After a while, she came round again. 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. uCatholic. At her canonization ceremony on October 1, 2000, Pope John Paul II said of St. Josephine: In todays world, countless women continue to be victimized, even in developed modern societies. and faith. 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. To this end, we invite you to learn more about the life of an extraordinary trafficking survivor from history. 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. Biography [ edit] Early life [ edit] By William Hartston 00:00, Thu, May 29, 2014 Bookmark. Top 10 facts about Josephine THE Empress Josephine of France, first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, died 200 years ago today, on May 29, 1814. With a passion to eradicate human trafficking, Elizabeth Lee is ATIs Volunteer/Intern Coordinator and Senior Advisor. 2) The name 'Bakhita' was given to her by her ensalver, it means "lucky" or "fortunate". The sisters answered her questions. 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.". This martyrdom ended when, in 1882, she was bought by Callisto Legnani, an Italian consular agent in Sudan. Bakhita came to believe it was her guardian angel, who stayed with her all along, guiding her to God. It was during this time that she was introduced to formal religion and came to know the Daughters of Charity of Canossa, or the Canossian Sisters. One year later, when Mrs Michieli returned to take her daughter and Bakhita back to Suakin, she refused for the first time. [9], In El-Obeid, Bakhita was bought by a rich Arab who used her as a maid for his two daughters. Everything is amazing in her, just as the restoring water which gushes out of a spring! I had then the confused feeling that, since she was an extraordinary soul, my writing would sooner or later be useful, thinking that in time the Church would take this story and this extraordinary soul into account (cf. Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. On 17 May 1992, she was declared Blessed and given 8 February as her feast day. What was she known for? Zanini, Roberto Italo (2013). A total of 114 intricate patterns were cut into her breasts, belly and into her right arm.[13][14]. It is interesting what Ida Zanolini, a lay Canossian woman who published Mother Bakhitas first biography, wrote about her. 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. Saint Josephine Margaret Bakhita was born around 1869 in the village of Olgossa in the Darfur region of Sudan. For many years, Josephine Bakhita was a slave but her spirit was always free and eventually that spirit prevailed. Author and Publisher - Catholic Online. Bakhita converted to Christianity and was baptized and confirmed in 1890. Continue reading about St. Josephine Bakhita St. Josephine Bakhita St. Josephine Vannini It was that freedom of spirit that allowed her to follow her heart and live her true vocation. Her constant smile, humility and simplicity won peoples hearts. 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. Everything in her reveals an inner order, a reflection of a healthy and good nature. 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. 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. [26] On 10 February 1993, he solemnly honoured Bakhita on her own soil. She was eventually assigned to a convent in Schio, Vicenza. St. Josephine Bakhita, Virgin. Printable Catholic Saints PDFs. and endured untold hardship and suffering. Birth: 1869. As a slave, her experiences varied from fair treatment to cruel. Learn about their countries of origin, customs, and current needs. MISSION: As a girl, Bakhita would look up at the moon and stars, resolving to serve their Master. Those whom man enslaves, let God set free. Our universal sister was given back to us. He had destined me for better things.. She was given away to another family as a gift and she served them as a nanny. 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. Since the villa in Zianigo was already sold, Bakhita and Mimmina needed a temporary place to stay while Micheli went to Sudan without them. Josephine Bakhita was born around 1869 in Darfur (now in western Sudan). For the next 42 years of her life, she worked as a cook and a doorkeeper at the convent. [16] Two years later, when Legnani himself had to return to Italy, Bakhita begged to go with him. | Irondale, AL 35210 |. She is the patron saint of Sudan and of victims of human trafficking. [15] The Turkish general began making preparations to return to his homeland and sold his slaves. All rights reserved. Bakhita herself never mentions this incident. 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. Hi readers, it seems you use Catholic Online a lot; that's great! Today, we humbly ask you to defend Catholic Online's independence. Canonized: October 1, 2000 by Pope John Paul II. 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. In 2000, she was declared a saint, the first Black woman to receive the honor in the modern era. Bakhita sought humanity and discovered that she longed for a good master, like the One who cares for all beautiful things: the sky, the stars, the earth, flowers. And although bombs fell on their village, not one citizen died. What happened to the Catholic Knights Hospitaller? Josephine was born in the Daju village of Olgossa in Darfur. 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. [2] She was one of the Daju people;[3][4] her respected and reasonably prosperous father was brother of the village chief. 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. Bakhita says: "During all the years I stayed in that house, I do not recall a day that passed without some wound or other. During the ensuing court case, the Canossian Sisters and the patriarch of Venice intervened on Josephines behalf. Today is Saturday," probably hoping that this would cheer her because Saturday is the day of the week dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus. She died on 8 February 1947 in the country of Italy, in the city of Vincenza. And the shining figure in the night? He was a much kinder master and he did not beat her. 1) Sudanese-Italian Canossian nun who survived 12 years of brutal slavery. LIVED: Bakhita was born in 1869 in Sudan. After that, she was sold. By. The testimonies present us her filial, apostolic which will see us meet again in Heaven and fraternal friendship. We increase awareness and teach you how to intercept trafficking as early as possible. She was beatified on May 17, 1992, by Pope John Paul II and canonized by him on October 1, 2000. Learn more about Saint Josephine Bakhita! Hers was not the skin of an Italian aristocrat but rather a child kidnapped and forcibly relocated in the slave trade. Stay up to date with the latest news, information, and special offers. Josephine Margaret Bakhita, F.D.C.C. The next fifty years of her life were marked by simplicity, witnessing to Gods love through cooking, sewing, embroidery and attending to the door. 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. Josephine Bakhita was made a saint on by October 1, 2000 by Pope John Paul ll. She was bought and sold at least twice during the grueling journey. Author and Publisher - Catholic Online. During the war, because of her colour, she was also mistaken for being a spy, but she did not get upset, she accompanied those who wanted to arrest her to where she lived and, showing them the window in her room, explained that since her arrival in Italy she had received the gift of vocation. On December 1st, 1978, Pope John Paul II declared her venerable. ATIs tools are designed to ensure that your efforts deliver effective results. She wanted to be good, to obey the one who gave her joy in following his voice that enlightened her from the heart. All rights reserved. She was born in Sudan, Africa to a loving, and prosperous family. She was known for her charisma and gentleness and even expressed gratitude that her past horrors had brought her to her current life. 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. Born: 1869 in Sudan Due to her family lineage, she grew up happy and relatively prosperous, saying that as a child, she did not know suffering. 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. A young student once asked Bakhita: "What would you do, if you were to meet your captors?" She has been adopted as the patron saint of modern Sudan and human trafficking survivors. 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. state of slavery; She also received the sacraments of her first holy communion and confirmation on the same day. 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. We partner with people like you. Bakhita converted to Christianity and was baptized and confirmed in 1890. She was resold several times, finally in 1883 to Callisto Legnani, Italian consul in Khartoum, Sudan. She was baptized on January 9, 1890 and took the name Josephine Margaret and Fortunata. Caritas Bakhita House in London, which provides accommodation and support for women escaping human trafficking, is named in her honour. Saint Josephine Margaret Bakhita was born around 1869 in the village of Olgossa in the Darfur region of Sudan . But just nine months later, Pope John Paul II visited Sudan and honored her publicly. Thank you. Updates? Amen.

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