On February 10, 2000 Josephine Margaret Bakhita was declared a Saint by the Catholic church and was the first black woman to receive this honor.
Saint Bakhita was born into a loving family in 1869 in Darfur Sudan. Her family was well respected in their community and her uncle was the village Chief. Bakhita recounted in her autobiography, “I lived a very happy and carefree life without knowing what suffering was” (Wikipedia). Sadly, all that changed dramatically, when at age seven she was abducted by Arab slave traders and sold, not only once but multiple times. Throughout the years she endured unimaginable suffering and torture. In an interesting turn of events, Bakhita was last sold to an Italian Consul who did not mistreat her. When he fled the region due to threats of revolutionaries, he returned to Italy and took Bakhita with him.
Eventually, Bakhita was granted her freedom by the Italian courts. For the first time Bakhita could choose her own destiny and she chose to join the Canossian Sisters who were a refuge for her and with a missionary heart, Bakhita served as a cook, seamstress and doorkeeper. It was said, “When Bakhita was on duty at the door, she would gently lay her hands on the heads of the children who daily attended the Canossian schools and caressed them. Her amiable voice, which had the inflection and rhythm of the music of her country, was pleasing to the little ones, comforting to the poor and suffering and encouraging for those who knocked at the door of the Institute.” (CHA)
In fact, Bakhita became well known in the local community for her gentleness and ever-present smile. During World War II, she shared in the hopes and fears of the townspeople with her kind and reassuring presence. They considered her a saint and felt, safe and protected with her by their side and often referred to Bakhita as their precious Black Mother.
Saint Bakhita was ill and in pain in her final days. Yet, Bakhita’s last words were, “Yes, I am so happy… Our Lady …Our Lady!”
I am so moved by Saint Bakhita’s story because she never let the cruelty of others define her life. Instead, she chose to love those who were vulnerable and in need and she transformed the deep suffering she endured through caring for and loving others.
No matter how dark life can be the Light finds a way.
Human trafficking is a terrible cruel reality in our world today. The United Nations is an organization that does good work helping people around the world. If you would like to learn more go to: https://www.un.org/en/chronicle/article/prevention-prosection-and-protection-human-trafficking
Liz Sorensen Wessel
Resources for this reflection include Wikipedia, Catholic Health Association CHA
