interesting facts about saint josephine bakhita

He eventually took her to Italy and gave her to the Michieli family to serve as a nanny. *Director of the archives of the Shrine of Saint Josephme Bakhita in Schio, LOsservatore Romano14 February 2020, page 8, EWTN | 5817 Old Leeds Rd. This caused the superior of the institute for baptismal candidates among the sisters to complain to Italian authorities on Josephine's behalf. In 1902 she was assigned to the Canossian convent at Schio, in the northern Italian province of Vicenza, where she spent the rest of her life. 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). After a long and dangerous journey across Sudan, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean, they arrived in Italy. Saint Bakhitas feast day is celebrated on February 8. Due to her family lineage, she grew up happy and relatively prosperous, saying that as a child, she did not know suffering. LIVED: Bakhita was born in 1869 in Sudan. Her black skin revealed different ancestry and a different life experience. On 17 May 1992, she was declared Blessed and given 8 February as her feast day. When Mrs. Michieli returned to fetch her daughter and the enslaved nanny, Josephine resolutely refused to leave the institute. What happened to the Catholic Knights Hospitaller? [2] She was one of the Daju people;[3][4] her respected and reasonably prosperous father was brother of the village chief. ", After prayer and discernment, Josephine joined the religious order, pronouncing her religious vows on 8 December 1896 at the age of 27. It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. Biography | Bakhita Charities She was kidnapped at the age of seven and sold into slavery by. Your email address will not be published. She was bought and sold at least twice during the grueling journey. She became a novice at the Institute of St. Magdalene of Canossa on December 7, 1893, and took her final vows in 1896. 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. Biography [ edit] Early life [ edit] Bakhita wished to stay in Italy when her owners readied for a relocation. It was there that Bakhita first heard the gospel and believed that it was Gods will that she be free. During World War II, the people of the village of Schio regarded her as their protector. As for many migrants today, she explained to those who asked her the reason for her choices, that if she had given in to the insistence to return to her land, she would have lost body and soul. Saint of the Day for Monday, May 1st, 2023. I thought I would die, especially when salt was poured in the wounds it was by a miracle of God I didn't die. According to Josephine, she had always known about God, who created all things, but she did not know who He was. 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. Historians believe that sometime in February 1877, Josephine was kidnapped by Arab slave traders. Saint Josephine Bakhita facts Flashcards | Quizlet 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. 3) Her feast day marks an international day of prayer and awareness against human trafficking. 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. The figure pointed the way to go, and Bakhita led her companion in that direction. Bakhita Charities is named after her. She then remained in the catechumenate for four more years. Saint of the Day for Monday, May 1st, 2023. Bakhita, the first canonized Sudanese saint, led the way for those who today seek among us hope for their life. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. In 1883, Bakhita was bought in Khartoum by the Italian Vice Consul Callisto Legnani, who did not beat or punish her. She would suffer a total of 114 scars from this abuse. She has been adopted as the patron saint of modern Sudan and human trafficking survivors. The school was run by the Canossian Sisters. She was eventually assigned to a convent in Schio, Vicenza. Canonized: October 1, 2000. She was gentle and charismatic, and was often referred to lovingly as the "little brown sister" or honorably as the "black mother.". MISSION: As a girl, Bakhita would look up at the moon and stars, resolving to serve their Master. She would suffer a total of 114 scars from this abuse. She rubbed the wounds with salt to make the scars permanent. When the Michielis returned from Africa and wanted to take Mimmina and Josephine back with them, the future saint refused to go. He canonized her on October 1, 2000. 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. For the next 12 years she would be bought, sold and given away over a dozen times. Bakhita came to believe it was her guardian angel, who stayed with her all along, guiding her to God. Her constant smile, humility and simplicity won peoples hearts. (ca. 800-621-1008 Please review our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. Bakhita: From Slave to Saint, p. 81. She was born around 1869 in Darfur (now in western Sudan) in the village of Olgossa, west of Nyala and close to Mount Agilerei. St. Josephine Bakhita - Catholic World Report While she was in the custody of the sisters, she came to learn about God. She became a Canossian nun in December 1896 and remained at the convent for another 42 years. 1) Sudanese-Italian Canossian nun who survived 12 years of brutal slavery. [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. 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. Bakhita is a saint in the Catholic Church. Shop St. Josephine Bakhita. Selling his house and lands took longer than expected. 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. It is interesting what Ida Zanolini, a lay Canossian woman who published Mother Bakhitas first biography, wrote about her. In 2018, we published the testimonies of those who actually knew Mother Bakhita. [11] She lived there for three years and became nanny to the Michieli's daughter Alice, known as 'Mimmina', born in February 1886. Her sacraments were administered by Archbishop Giuseppe Sarto, who would later become Pope Pius X. -Her friendly voice -The way that she thought about death Also known as: Josephine Margaret Bakhita, Mother Josephine Bakhita. St. Josephine Bakhita - Saints & Angels - Catholic Online [6][7][8] She was also forcibly converted to Islam. In her later years, she began to suffer physical pain and was forced to use a wheelchair. In 2019, Pope Francis drew attention to the scourge of human trafficking on Saint Bakhitas feast day and called upon government leaders worldwide to intervene and stop the trafficking of persons. In 1877, when she was 7-8 years old, she was seized by Arab slave traders, who had abducted her elder sister two years earlier. 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. Faith can be an important component in the road to recovery for many survivors, as was the case for Bakhita. These three sacraments are the sacraments of initiation into the Church and were always given together in the early Church. When she died her tenderness transfused into her mortal flesh and carried on attracting people. The Patriarch of Venice was informed, and he sought the advice of the Kings attorney. Bakhita knew the reality of being a slave, an immigrant, and a spiritual seeker. uCatholic. If you are one of our rare donors, you have our gratitude and we warmly thank you. He canonized her on October 1, 2000. 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. As punishment, she was beaten so severely she was incapacitated for a month. On December 1st, 1978, Pope John Paul II declared her venerable. She was also known as Mother Moretta, our Black Mother. St. Josephine Bakhita, Virgin. The testimonies present us her filial, apostolic which will see us meet again in Heaven and fraternal friendship. In total, she bore 144 physical scars for the rest of her life. She then died. When a wound from the whip began to heal, other blows would pour down on me. 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. You will need: colored construction . My face was spared, but 6 patterns were designed on my breasts, and 60 more on my belly and arms. Imitating Him, let us place our confidence not in riches, but in your love and embrace. In 2000, she was declared a saint, the first Black woman to receive the honor in the modern era. She was beatified on May 17, 1992, by Pope John Paul II and canonized by him on October 1, 2000. Even while she was outwardly denied freedom and human dignity, her spirit was free. She arrived in Italy for the first time. St. Josephine BakhitaA Model of Faith | Franciscan Media Josephine was her confirmation name. The Michielis brought Bakhita with them back to the Sudan where they stayed for nine months before returning to Italy. During World War II, the people of the village of Schio regarded her as their protector. Canonized: October 1, 2000 by Pope John Paul II. In 1883 she was sold to an Italian consul in Khartoum, Callisto Legnani, who treated her more humanely. She was kidnapped as a child and sold into slavery, eventually working in Italy as a nanny for a wealthy family. She was often beaten and kicked and whipped. She was known for her gentle voice and smile. St. Josephine BakhitaA Model of Faith. These were her last audible words.[23]. Patron Saint - St Josephine Bakhita - Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney They brought her back to Italy to work as a maid and care giver to their baby, Mimmina. 6 Intriguing Facts About the Amazing & Courageous St. Josephine Bakhita Hers was not the skin of an Italian aristocrat but rather a child kidnapped and forcibly relocated in the slave trade. Venezuelan migrant thanks God, recounts journey through dangerous jungle to U.S. Saint Josephine Bakhita A Woman of Faith and Forgiveness Born: 1869 in Sudan Died: 1947 in Italy Beatified: May 17, 1992 Canonized: October 1, 2000 Introduction February 8 is the feast day of Saint Josephine Bakhita. According to Josephine, she had always known about God, who created all things, but she did not know who He was. Thank you. Born in the village of Olgossa (Darfur, Sudan) in 1869, Bakhita had a twin sister, she was loved and she lived peacefully. Corrections? ADVENTURES: Many weeks after being kidnapped, Bakhita found herself at a slave market, chained to another girl her age. In March 1885 they left Suakin for Italy and arrived at the port of Genoa in April. At the end of 1884 they escaped from a besieged Khartoum with a friend, Augusto Michieli. Her kidnappers gave her the name Bakhita, meaning "fortunate. But just nine months later, Pope John Paul II visited Sudan and honored her publicly. 3) Her feast day marks an international day of prayer and awareness against human trafficking. She said, "A woman skilled in this cruel art came to the general's house. Newsletter Signup Tarjeta De Oracin De Nuestra Seora De Guadalupe, Tres Maneras Para Obtener Un Mejor Provecho De La Misa. Meet St. Josephine Bakhita! Saints for kids MISSION: As a girl, Bakhita would look up at the moon and stars, resolving to serve their Master. In 2000, she was declared a saint by the Roman Catholic Church. Josephine Margaret Bakhita, F.D.C.C. Shop St. Josephine Bakhita. Evangelii Gaudium, n. 224). This was the school of the Creator that she attended after the school of her family, which she always longed for. [16] Two years later, when Legnani himself had to return to Italy, Bakhita begged to go with him. [15] The Turkish general began making preparations to return to his homeland and sold his slaves. [9], In El-Obeid, Bakhita was bought by a rich Arab who used her as a maid for his two daughters. Copyright 2022 Catholic Online. Josephine Bakhita is the Patron Saint of Human Trafficking. By William Hartston 00:00, Thu, May 29, 2014 Bookmark. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law. 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. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. Bakhita died at 8:10 PM on 8 February 1947. 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. She was beatified in 1992 and canonized eight years later. 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. If anyone asked her how she was, she would reply, "As the master desires.". 6 Facts About St Josephine Bakhita. Saint Angela of Foligno's feast day is February 28. Read his story here. Any unauthorized use, without prior written consent of Catholic Online is strictly forbidden and prohibited. He rejoiced at seeing her again. You can read more about Elizabeth on her ATI leadership profile page. 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. A bronze sculpture of Saint Josephine Bakhita, patron of trafficking victims, will be installed in the Vatican. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. 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. Read his story here. In 2000, she was declared a saint, the first Black woman to receive the honor in the modern era. It seemed that Bakhita had failed in her quest for freedom. Your email address will not be published. One of her owners was a Turkish general who gave her to his wife and mother-in-law who both beat her daily. The first steps toward her beatification began in 1959. For the first time in her life, Josephine was free and could choose what to do with her life. Slavery was illegal in Italy, so Bakhita was able to leave her Italian owners and follow Gods calling for her. Pope Francis visits with children in Budapest with visual impairments. 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. Sharing the Word for May 1, 2023 Fourth Week of Easter Year 1. St. Josephine Bakhita - Saints & Angels - Catholic Online Daily Prayer. 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. Josephine Bakhita, you were sold into slavery as a child She was baptized on January 9, 1890 and took the name Josephine Margaret and Fortunata. This ironic new name did not describe the brutal and humiliating treatment Bakhita received on a daily basis. 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. 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'. Omissions? Josephine Bakhita was born in 1869, in a small. For her arrival in Italy, there had been no need for a passport. Oh St. Bakhita, assist all those who are trapped in a How might God be calling you to greater freedom in this area? Sculpture of Saint Josephine Bakhita, patron of human trafficking Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. St. Josephine Bakhita - Information on the Saint of the Day - Vatican News The judge concluded that since slavery was illegal in Italy, she had actually been free since 1885. After only nine months, Bakhita unexpectedly left Africa with Mimmina who did not want to leave her behind. On 29 November 1889, an Italian court ruled that because the British had outlawed slavery in Sudan before Bakhita's birth and because Italian law had never recognized slavery as legal, Bakhita had never legally been a slave. How can you, your family, or an organization you belong to reach out in solidarity. After a long and dangerous journey across Sudan, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean, they arrived in Italy. 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. She was sold not just once, but multiple times. Watch Two Suitcases: The Story of St. Josephine Bakhita, available to stream or on DVD from Amazon. The sisters answered her questions. Saint Bakhita seems to be a made-to-measure saint to comfort the peace and reconciliation workers of our time. It was that freedom of spirit that allowed her to follow her heart and live her true vocation. Help all survivors find healing from their wounds. Author and Publisher - Catholic Online She even received a new name at her baptism: Josephine Margaret Bakhita. The next fifty years of her life were marked by simplicity, witnessing to Gods love through cooking, sewing, embroidery and attending to the door. Melissa Petruzzello is Associate Editor of Plant and Environmental Science and covers a range of content from plants, algae, and fungi, to renewable energy and environmental engineering. Saint Josephine Margaret Bakhita was born around 1869 in the village of Olgossa in the Darfur region of Sudan . Her own story, in turn, can serve as a balm for others. She left Suakin, then a flourishing port on the Red Sea, and arrived in Genoa where she witnessed what Italian migrants, leaving the same port to look for work, would experience on their arrival in foreign lands. 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. 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. 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. Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. Death: February 8, 1947. Top 10 facts about Josephine | Express.co.uk "[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. . The Canossian Sisters went to court on her behalf and helped her obtain her freedom. Her Baptism set her on an eventual path toward asserting her civic freedom and then service to Gods people as a Canossian Sister. 26. 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. When visited and asked how she was, shed respond: "As the Master desires.". By the end of 1882, El-Obeid came under the threat of an attack of Mahdist revolutionaries. She was tattooed with 114 deep cuts, which were filled with salt so that the design formed by the lip ofher scars remained; marks which remained white and stood out on her very black skin; the children, towhom she told her story, who are now elderly, still remember them. 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. Saint Josephine Bakhita: From Slave to Saint - Diocese of Westminster Josephine Bakhita was born around 1869 in Sudan. Not a a day went by without wounds being inflicted on her body. They were met there by Augusto Michieli's wife, Maria Turina Michieli, to whom Legnani gave ownership of Bakhita. Advertising Various testimonies have depicted her freely giving thanks, in order to free every creature, to educate to self-giving until death. Find out where they obtain services in your community, and volunteer to help. Mothers lifted her hands and placed them on the heads of their children, praying for her blessing. She was forced to walk barefoot about 960 kilometres (600mi) to El-Obeid and was sold and bought twice before she arrived there. Josephine celebrated the sacraments of initiation, receiving the name Josephine. She passed away on February 8, 1947. St. Josephine Bakhita, in full Josephine Margaret Bakhita, also called Mother Josephine Bakhita, (born c. 1869, Olgossa, Darfur (now in Sudan)died February 8, 1947, Schio, Italy; canonized October 1, 2000; feast day February 8), Sudanese-born Roman Catholic saint who survived kidnapping and enslavement. St. Josephine Bakhita - Saints & Angels - Catholic Online 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. On January 9, 1890, she was baptized and confirmed and received her first Holy Communion.

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