Saint You’re Most Like: St. Josephine Bakhita
“Be good, love the Lord, pray for those who do not know Him. What a great grace it is to know God!”
Attributes: Forgiving, Courageous, Strong-willed
Bio:
St. John Paul II described St. Josephine Bakhita as a shining advocate for genuine emancipation. Her legacy embodies the world’s firm resolve to bring freedom to those who are oppressed and faced with violence.
St. Josephine Bakhita was born in South Sudan in 1869 to a loving family. At the age of nine, she was torn from her family, kidnapped, and sold into slavery. Her life as a slave was filled with unspeakable mistreatment. She moved from master to master with no agency or free will of her own. Despite her mistreatment, she continued to forgive.
St. Josephine found freedom through the church. In 1888 her master left her in the custody of the Daughters of Charity. It was here that her religious journey began and it was here that she was granted her freedom. She was baptized in 1890 and took her vows of sisterhood in 1896.
Her legacy is a symbol of mercy. We thank her teaching us how to forgive and for exuding in us an unshakable grace. Today, Josephine is a voice for the voiceless. She has become the face behind the church’s efforts to end modern day slavery—human trafficking. We thank individuals like you, who carry her courage in this world.
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For over a century, we have worked to strengthen and support communities through healthcare programs and initiatives, the distribution of medicines and medical supplies, and the placement of volunteers.
