“The feast of St. Josephine mirrors the direction our lives should take as today's Christians. Her extraordinary life provides lessons that we can emulate in addressing the pressing challenges of our time. This journey from slavery to sanctity provides a profound Christian perspective on human trafficking, suffering, domestic violence, food insecurity and flawed healthcare system. Her life serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring us to respond with faith, love, and action,” Sr. Bakhita says in the reflection she shared with ACI Africa on Thursday, February 6, ahead of the February 8 feat day.
Here is the rest of her reflection:
The need to uphold the dignity of every person
The early life of St. Josephine Bakhita was marked by the horrors of human trafficking. She was kidnapped as a child in Sudan, sold multiple times, endured unimaginable suffering in the hands of those with no sympathy or dead conscience. Despite the horrors, she found freedom in Christ and forgave those who had wronged her.
Today, human trafficking remains a global crisis, with millions of men, women, and children forced into labor and exploitation. As Christians, we are called to recognize and uphold the dignity of every person, just as St. Josephine Bakhita did. Thanks to church organizations that educate communities about the dangers of trafficking, provide safe houses for survivors, and advocate for policies that protect the vulnerable or those at risk. These sanctuaries offer not only shelter but also spiritual and psychological healing for victims. The question is: how can these individuals be supported to sustain this noble mission, and how can efforts be escalated to ensure that every victim is reached? The story of St. Josephine Bakhita reminds us that every victim deserves restoration and that our faith calls us to be their voice.
Suffering and Trust in God
St. Josephine Bakhita endured immense suffering, yet she remained steadfast, focused and determined in following her faith to the latter. After gaining freedom, she entered the Canossian order, giving her total life to love and serve her master through prayer and humble duties. With love she echoed, “If I were to meet the slave traders who kidnapped me, and even those who tortured me, I would kneel and kiss their hands. For, if these things had not happened, I would not have become a Christian.” Her words reflect a remarkable degree of trust in God’s divine plan for mankind.
In today’s world, countless people suffer due to illness, economic struggles, and injustice. Cancer patients endure unbearable pain along with the financial strain of expensive therapy. Many communities survive on just one meal a day, and the lack of affordable healthcare remains a pressing issue, leaving the sick without proper medical attention. Encouraged by the life of St. Bakhita, we are called to help them see suffering through the lens of faith, trusting that God can transform pain into a path of grace. As Christians, we can follow her example by accompanying the suffering—whether through prayer, acts of kindness, or simply being present. This can be seen in a priest providing spiritual comfort to the sick, a nun dedicated to nursing a chronically ill patient, or a brother sharing the little bread left for supper. In these small yet profound ways, we remind those in need that God is with them, even in their suffering. By embracing this mission, we become models of hope, advocating for accessible healthcare, supporting medical missions, and standing with the sick through prayer and compassionate action. In doing so, we not only bring relief to those in distress but also bear witness to the love and mercy of Christ in a broken world.
Domestic Violence and the Power of Forgiveness
St. Josephine Bakhita’s early years were marked by cruelty, yet she never allowed bitterness to define her. Her capacity to forgive her oppressors is a testament to the Christian call to love even our enemies. This lesson is particularly relevant today, as domestic violence remains a significant issue in many communities. Women and children around the world suffer in abusive relationships, often feeling trapped and powerless. Even within the Church, some cases of domestic violence remain hidden behind walls of silence. The weight of pastoral responsibilities, personal struggles, and societal pressures can sometimes challenge even the most dedicated priests and religious, affecting their interactions with those entrusted to their care. Likewise, devout members of the Church may endure suffering quietly, fearing judgment or economic dependence on their abusive spouses. St. Bakhita’s story encourages us to seek healing and liberation. As a family of God, we must stand together to advocate for social justice, offer spiritual and emotional renewal, and provide a listening ear to those in need, embodying Christ’s compassion. Inspired by her life, we are called to foster environments of peace and protection, ensuring that no one suffers in silence.
