*** *** *** St. Bakhita’s legacy is her perseverance and transformation through immense suffering.

— Born in Sudan, St. Bakhita (ca. 1869-1947) was only about 7 years old when seized by slave traders. She was resold several times and endured horrific cruelty at the hands of some of her captors. Her life journey would eventually take her to the Canossian Sisters, where she was baptized into the faith. In 1896 she took her vows, joining the Canossian Daughters of Charity.
“O God, who led Saint Josephine Bakhita from abject slavery to the dignity of being your daughter and a bride of Christ, grant, we pray, that by her example we may show constant love for the Lord Jesus crucified, remaining steadfast in charity and prompt to show compassion. Through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Proper of Saints, Daily Roman Missal)