Saint Josephine Bakhita was born around 1869 in Darfur, Sudan, in a small African village.
As a child, she was kidnapped by slave traders and endured years of suffering, being sold multiple times and
subjected to forced labour and mistreatment.
After years of enslavement, Bakhita was purchased by an Italian consul who brought her to Italy. There, she was entrusted to the care of a family who treated her with kindness. During this time, she was introduced to Christianity and found in her faith in God a source of hope and redemption.
In 1890, Josephine was baptized and confirmed, adopting the Christian name “Bakhita,” which means “fortunate.”
Shortly afterward, she joined the Canossian Sisters, dedicating her life to serving God and caring for those in need.
Bakhita became known for her humility, kindness, and unshakable faith, despite the horrors she had endured. She once said: “If I were to meet those who enslaved me, I would kiss their hands, for it was
through them that I came to know Christ.”
Josephine Bakhita passed away on February 8, 1947, at the age of 78, in Italy. Her life is a powerful testimony of forgiveness, faith, and resilience.
In 2000, she was canonized by Pope John Paul II, becoming the first Sudanese saint and the patroness of victims of human trafficking.
Her memory is celebrated on February 8.
Saint Bakhita inspires us to live with courage, love, and trust in the power of God to transform even the most difficult situations.