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St Josephine Bakhita

St. Josephine Bakhita, born in Sudan in the mid-19th century, was a remarkable woman who overcame the horrors of slavery to become a revered Catholic saint. Kidnapped and sold into slavery at a young age, she endured unimaginable suffering and abuse. Eventually, she was bought by an Italian diplomat who brought her to Italy. There, she encountered the Canossian Sisters and converted to Christianity. St. Josephine Bakhita devoted her life to serving others, particularly as a Canossian nun. Her gentle and forgiving spirit, despite the hardships she endured, left a lasting impact. One sentiment she expressed relates to compassion and forgiveness, saying, "If I were to meet those 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 been a Christian and a religious today." This statement reflects her profound ability to transcend her painful past through forgiveness and her deep commitment to her Christian faith. St. Josephine Bakhita was canonised in 2000 by Pope John Paul II, and her life serves as an inspiration for resilience, faith, and the transformative power of love. St. Josephine Bakhita is a symbol of hope for those who experience human trafficking and exploitation, and she is celebrated every year on the 8th of February.