1869-1942
Born in the Sudan with another name.
She was kidnapped at a very young age and treated so heinously that she could never remember the name her parents had given her.
Her kidnappers gave her the name Bahkita.
She experienced the awful trials, humiliations, and pains both physical and moral that slavery has, being sold and resold in the markets of El Obeid and Khartoum.
Eventually in the capital of Sudan she was sold to an Italian Consul in whose household she was treated with kindness and warmth.
Because of political tensions, he had to leave and received permission to take Bahkita with him to Italy.
Another family wanted to have Bahkita. She cared for their daughter.
When the parents had to leave for business, the children along with Bahkita were left to an order of religious women, the Canossians.
It was there that Bakhita came to know about God whom “she had experienced in her heart without knowing who He was” ever since she was a child.
When she was 21, she received the Sacraments of Initiation and was given the name Jospehine.
Since she had become an adult, the Italian law said that she could do whatever she wanted. The family still wanted to have her in their lives, but she wanted to become consecrated to God whom she had longed for as a child and found as an adult—she moved in with a religious order. After five years, she took the permanent vows for consecration.
For fifty years she did various works for her religious order and for those who came in need at their door. People were especially drawn by her gentleness and her musical voice.
She wanted to make sure that everyone knew about God who loved them, spreading hope to many.
Everyone began to call her Mother Moretta, our Black Mother.
When she was dying, she re-experienced the agony of her chains and torments from slavery. She ended her life with seeing Our Lady, shortly thereafter having a smile of peace on her face.
People have experienced the graces of her intercession ever since.
Information found on the Vatican website http://www.vatican.va
lamehousewife
She’s one of my patron saints (when I entered the Church, I was allowed two). I ask her to pray for Sudan, and for an end to human trafficking.
That is such a needed prayer indeed. She is a wonderful example of love despite tremendous adversity for sure. May I ask who your other one is?
St. Catherine of Siena.
Ooh… Another good one! That’s awesome! I like her a lot, too. You picked some great one, that is for sure!