Seeing the sun, the moon and the stars, I said to myself, ‘Who could be the Master of these beautiful things?’ I felt a great desire to see him, to know him and to pay him homage. –St. Josephine Bakhita
Today’s “Focus on Black” post comes because I was a little surprised to learn that many people I spoke with could not name one Black saint, though even if not Catholic, they knew the names of European saints. Indeed, the only individuals I spoke to who knew about Black saints were two students who attended Catholic primary and secondary schools.
So, though there are many Black saints, today I’m introducing you to St. Josephine Bakhita (1869-1947), Patron Saint of the Sudan.
Saint Josephine Bakhita, 2003. Oil on canvas. Artist, Janet McKenzie
We know very little about Bakhita’s early life, but she was born into a prominent family in the western Darfur region of Sudan. Her path to sainthood began with terror:
She and a friend were walking through a field in her native Sudan when she was abducted by armed slave traders. She was so terrified upon capture that she forgot her name. The slavers called her “Bakhita,” which means fortunate.
Bakhita endured terrible cruelty at the hands of a succession of owners. Her fortunes truly changed when she was
purchased by Italian consul Callisto Legnani, who treated her with kindness and respect. Legani left her with a friend, Augusto Michieli, and his wife in Italy. Bakhita served as caretaker of their newborn daughter, Mimmina. When business required the Michielis to travel, they entrusted the girls to the Canossia Sisters of the Institute of the Catechumens in Venice. There, Bakhita came to understand the God who had given her the fortitude to overcome the hardships of slavery. After several months, she received the sacraments of initiation and was given the name Josephine. She remained with the Sisters and served as a nun for the rest of her life, beloved for her kindness to children and visitors to the Institute. When she died her body was displayed for several days as thousands came to pay their respects. –from 365 Days of Black History, I Only Know the Story
St. Josephine Bakhita, the first saint of Sudan, was canonized–made a saint–on October 1, 2000.
At her canonization ceremony, Pope John II said of her:
In today’s world, countless women continue to be victimized, even in developed modern societies. In St. Josephine Bakhita we find a shining advocate of genuine emancipation. The history of her life inspires not passive acceptance but the firm resolve to work effectively to free girls and women from oppression and violence, and to return them to their dignity in the full exercise of their rights.
To learn more, see:
For more black saints, see:
Until next time…
Pics and Posts 
Thank you for teaching me what I did not know. Black, and a woman, and a Saint. I hate to admit I could not name any black saints. Can now, thanks to you 😉 Following the links to learn more. It angers me, to learn how much was never taught in public school. I am reminded too many times. But God gave me a good sense of curiosity, and a love of reading. And love of learning. Happy weekend dear friend!
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Private schools are guilty of biases in their curricula too. And yes, curiosity and love for reading are key–to fill in the gaps. Thanks for your comment! Happy Week!
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Wow I never knew….it makes me want to read more about her story !
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Yes…so much to learn…so little time.
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thank you for the history lesson.
I am pleased she got the recognition.
‘..to free girls and women from oppression and violence, and to return them to their dignity in the full exercise of their rights.”
all girls and women need to be freed
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Indeed!
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I only recently started reading about saints and martyrs for a project. Sooo much I didn’t know! Thanks for this!
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Yes! I remember your project. How’s it going?
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Been on pause since we moved and I took this visiting position, but this may be converting to permanent soon. Fingers crossed so I can get back on track this summer!
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I understand. I’ve been on pause for too long. I’m struggling with balancing it all. I’m seriously too mentally exhausted to do much more than “my job” lately. Praying the position works out for you!
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I feel you. This visiting has been my first break– closest thing to a sabbatical. You sound like you need a recharge.
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Yes…I do!
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It’s sad that she was taken from her family. Unfortunately, this still happens in some countries. Especially girls are often kidnapped to become “brides”. It is wonderful to see that God gave her a new family and vocation with the nuns. It appears that she forgave her tormentors and become a loving influence of others. 3 cheers that she was declared a saint!
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Indeed!
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I first learned about Saint Bakhita through one of my youngest sister, Bakhita is a fascinating woman who is a Great example of how truth finds man. P.s the movie based on her life is a great one
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Cool. I’ll have to check out the movie soon. Thanks for dropping in!
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Of course:)
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