February 8

SAINT JOSEPHINE BAKHITA

1869-1947

St. Josephine was abducted from her family, who lived in Sudan, Africa, when she was between 7 and 9 years old by Arab slave traders. She was bought and sold several times and suffered a great deal.

Finally, she was sold, the last time, to an Italian government official who didn't abuse her. She was left temporarily with Canossian sisters in Venice and it was there that Bakhita learned about Jesus and the Catholic faith. She refused to leave the convent and was officially recognized as legally free. She received the sacraments and joined the Canossian order of nuns.

St. Josephine, it is said, forgot the name her parents gave her after she was abducted, likely due to the trauma she experienced. The slave traders called her Bakhita, which means lucky one.

A family tradition...

Did you know?

Formed.org has a movie about St. Josephine that you can watch (if you have a membership).

Pray for people who are currently enslaved and for an end to all forms of human trafficking and slavery.