St. Josephine Bakhita
The Liberator of the Enslaved
"I am a daughter of God, free and beloved."
Saint Facts
- Origin:
- Sudan
- Gender:
- Female
- Vocation:
- Laity
- Birth:
- 1869
- Feast Day:
- Feb 8
- Death:
- 1947
Saint Details
St. Josephine Bakhita was born around 1869 in Olgossa, Darfur, Sudan. At the age of seven, she was kidnapped and sold into slavery in the Darfur region. Her captors named her Bakhita, meaning "fortunate" in Arabic, though her early life was marked by hardship and abuse. She was resold several times until she was purchased by Callisto Legnani, an Italian consul in Khartoum, in 1883. Two years later, Legnani took her to Italy, where she was placed in the household of Augusto Michieli. In Venice, she encountered the Canossian Sisters and was drawn to Catholicism. She was baptized in 1890, taking the name Josephine. When the Michielis returned from Africa, Josephine refused to leave the sisters, and a court case ensued, ultimately declaring her free since slavery was illegal in Italy. She joined the Institute of St. Magdalene of Canossa in 1893 and made her profession in 1896. Transferred to Schio in 1902, Josephine dedicated her life to serving her community through various tasks. She was beatified in 1992 and canonized on October 1, 2000. Today, she is the patron saint of Sudan and victims of human trafficking, celebrated on February 8. Her remarkable journey from slavery to sainthood inspires many with her resilience and devotion to her faith.
Associated Holy Sites
Chiesa della Sacra Famiglia
Via A. Fusinato, 51, 36015 Schio VI, Italy
Details for: Chiesa della Sacra Famiglia
The Chiesa della Sacra Famiglia, located in Rome, Italy, is a Catholic church dedicated to the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. It serves as a place of worship and reflection for pilgrims and locals alike, emphasizing the importance of family unity and faith. The church is known for its serene atmosphere, making it a peaceful retreat for prayer and meditation. While it is not directly associated with a specific saint, its dedication to the Holy Family highlights its spiritual significance in promoting Christian family values. Pilgrims visit the church to seek inspiration from the example of the Holy Family and to deepen their connection to their faith. The Chiesa della Sacra Famiglia is a meaningful destination for those looking to strengthen their spiritual journey and reflect on the virtues of love, humility, and devotion.
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