St. Josephine Bakhita

If I were to meet the slave-traders who kidnapped me and even those who tortured me, I would kneel and kiss their hands, for if that did not happen, I would not be a Christian and Religious today… - St. Josephine Bakhita

I read that today was the feast of St. Josephine Bakhita (1868-1947). I had never heard of her before. I decide to do a little research and discovered that she was kidnapped as a child from her Sudanese home by slave traders. Eventually, she was bought by an Italian man who worked in Sudan. When he returned to Italy, Bakhita, as she was known at the time, accompanied him.

Bakhita was a nanny while in Italy. She attended religious education classes with her charge and soon she was drawn to Catholicism. When she was 22 yrs. of age, she was baptized and confirmed. She took the name Josephine as her confirmation name. Three years later she entered the religious life.

In 1930 a biography was written about her. As a result, she became a well known speaker and fund raiser for missions. She died 17 yrs. later in Italy.

Heavenly Father,

May I see with the eyes of St. Josephine and be thankful during the rough times, knowing that it will make me a better person for it.

Amen.