St. Josephine Bakhita
Known as the patron saint of human trafficking victims, St. Josephine Bakhita’s journey from slavery to sainthood inspires Catholics and many others worldwide. Born in Sudan, sold into slavery, and later becoming a Canossian sister, her legacy reminds us of God’s power to bring good out of any suffering. (2 Cor. 12:8-10; Rom. 8:28).
From the Homily of Pope St. John Paul II on Josephine Bakhita:
Sunday October 1, 2000
Abducted and sold into slavery at the tender age of seven, she suffered much at the hands of cruel masters. But she came to understand the profound truth that God, and not man, is the true Master of every human being, of every human life. This experience became a source of great wisdom for this humble daughter of Africa.
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.