St. Josephine Bakhita

Today is the feast of St Josephine Bakhita

Born in 1869 in Darfur Sudan, she was kidnapped when she was 9 years old by Muslim slave traders and forced to walk 600 miles barefoot. She was then sold five times in the slave markets of Sudan. Every day she was whipped until she bled. Finally, in 1882 Bakhita was bought by an Italian merchant, who returned to Venice, Italy, taking her with him. 

Soon after, he had to return to Sudan, so he entrusted Bakhita to Catholic Nuns in Venice. There she learned about God and Heaven for the first time. Up to this time she had known only slave masters who beat her. Now she heard of the King of the Universe who is Goodness in Person. What is more, this Lord knew, loved and delighted in her. This “master” had himself become a slave like her and for her, had been scourged like her and for her. And now He was awaiting her at the Father’s right hand. She said: “I am definitely loved and whatever happens to me – I am awaited by this Love. And so, my life is good.”

We live such easy lives. We have endless good things that should result in a constant state of joy. But the mere presence of these things won’t unless you become aware of the good you possess.

So take a moment and remember that you are loved, your life is good.