Saint Josephine Bakhita

Born: 1869
Died: February 8, 1947
Place of birth: Olgossa, Sudan (Darfur region)
Josephine was given the name Bakhita, which means fortunate, when she was kidnapped and sold into slavery at seven years old.
Like many other enslaved people, she was physically harmed several times by her masters, but maintained her spirit through it all.
Josephine was resold on multiple occasions, eventually to Callisto Legnani in 1883.
She was later transferred to a friend of Legnani’s in Italy, Augusto Michieli.
She became a babysitter for Michieli’s daughter, Mimmina, whom she took to Venice’s institute of the Catechumens.
During this trip, Josephine felt called to serve the Catholic Church.
The Micheilis eventually wanted to return Josephine to Africa and thus into slavery. She refused to go, and the family took legal action.
However, the Canossian Sisters (who ran the Institute of the Catechumens) encouraged the judge to rule in favor of Josephine.
In the end, it was ruled that since Italy outlawed slavery, Josephine had been free since 1885, when she’d arrived.
She was baptized and confirmed in 1890.

After gaining legal freedom, Josephine began work with the Institute of Saint Magdalene of Canossa in 1893.
She moved to Schio in 1902 where she involved herself through cooking, sewing, embroidery, and community outreach.
Josephine developed close relationships with the children attending the school of the Canossian sisters and other members of the local community.

Beautification

A famous quote of Saint Josephine’s is “Be good, love the Lord, pray for those who do not know Him. What a great grace it is to know God!”
The church began her beatification process in 1959. She was eventually beatified in 1992 and canonized in 2000.

Summary and Fast Facts

Won a court case to escape slavery
Was probably taller than you (over 6 foot)
Patron saint for victims of modern slavery and human trafficking
February 8th, the world day of prayer, reflection, and action against human trafficking, was founded in her honor