Homily: February 8 - Saint Josephine Bakhita

Today we honor the first saint from the Sudan.  She bravely endured the horrors of slavery and ultimately earned the title of saint.

Born to a wealthy Sudanese family in the Darfur region of Southern Sudan, Josephine was kidnapped at the age of nine by slave traders and given the name Bakhita, which means fortunate.   Over the next decade she was sold several times and was forced to endure repeated humiliations and beatings.  She was finally bought by a public servant who turned her over to a family who employed her as a nanny in Italy where slavery was illegal. 

Treated by the family with kindness, Josephine became acquainted with the Catholic faith, and after religious instruction was received into the church.

Several years later she joined the daughters of Charity, also known as the Canossian sisters in Italy.  She became known for her gentle presence and her willingness to undertake any task.

On May 17, 1992, Josephine Bakhita was beatified by Pope John Paul II and was proclaimed Saint on October 1, in the Jubilee year 2000.

During his homily at her canonization Mass in St. Peter's Square, Pope John Paul II said that 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."  Slavery and human trafficking continue even in our present age, and through the intercession of today’s saint, we pray for its complete abolishment. 

Again, why is Josephine a model of virtue and holiness? Her life speaks of the value of forgiveness, reconciliation and love, for in her heart she overcame any feelings of hatred for those who had harmed her. She learned from the tragic events of her life to have complete trust in the Almighty who is always and everywhere present, and learned, as we prayed in the opening prayer, to show constant love for the Lord Jesus crucified, to remain steadfast in charity, and prompt to show compassion.

May we, like Josephine, be freed from all forms of slavery and attachment to sin, and live in true Christian freedom, for the Glory of God and salvation of souls.