Written by Barb Spies, OFS, Director of Mission Services and Pastoral Care

February 8 is the feast day of St. Josephine Bakhita. She is the patron saint of victims of human trafficking due to having been captured at age nine and sold into slavery. She is a symbol of maintaining hope and kindness in a world that so often leads us not to be hopeful and kind. She gave her life to the Lord when she was sent to live with the Sisters of the Institute of the Catechumens. In 1888, the couple who owned St. Josephine Bakhita had to leave for Africa for nine months. Bakhita was left in the care of the Canossian Sisters of Venice. Josephine felt drawn to the Catholic Church. When the slave owners returned from Africa and wanted to take Josephine back with them. She refused to go. During court case that followed, the Canossian Sisters and the patriarch of Venice spoke  on Josephine’s behalf. Since slavery was illegal in Italy, the judge concluded that she had actually been free since 1885. She was baptized and confirmed in 1890, taking the name Josephine. She maintained hope and kindness despite her circumstances.  

An article in the most recent publication of the National Association of Catholic Chaplains, Works of Hope, talks about a Catholic Worker House in Milwaukee named for St. Josephine Bakhita. This house is a community offering hope and healing to women survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. They have access to community resources. Bakhita House provides full-time employment, supportive housing, and a nurturing community.

How can someone maintain hope in the horrific circumstances of slavery? In Josephine Bakhita’s case, hope led her from the cruelty of earthly masters to a holy service of God. How do the women in Milwaukee at the Bakhita House maintain hope when they have been victims of human trafficking? They live in a community house that empowers them and teaches them the beatitudes. With support, they are able to heal from their tortured past.

We live in uncertain times. Recently we held a holy hour of prayer for peace at the request of the president of the USCCB. Our country is torn with violations of human dignity. May we maintain hope and kindness. May we continue to choose tenderness. May we find a lasting peace like that of St. Josephine Bakhita.

Blessed Angela: “Let us support each other with prayer; there let us seek strength and guidance.”