About St. Josephine Bakhita
Saint Josephine Bakhita (1869–1947) was born in Sudan and suffered greatly as a child when she was kidnapped and sold into slavery. After years of hardship, she was brought to Italy, where she encountered the Catholic faith and discovered the freedom and dignity found in Christ. Baptized as a young woman, she later became a Canossian Sister, living a life of humility, prayer, and joyful service. Known for her gentleness and forgiveness, Saint Josephine Bakhita is a powerful witness to God’s healing mercy and is honored as the patron saint of human trafficking victims and modern slavery survivors.
Who was St. Josephine Bakhita?
St. Josephine Bakhita was a Sudanese woman who was kidnapped into slavery as a child. After gaining her freedom in Italy, she became a Catholic nun and devoted her life to serving God through prayer, humility, and charity. She is one of the most beloved modern saints of the Catholic Church.
What is St. Josephine Bakhita the patron saint of?
St. Josephine Bakhita is the patron saint of:
- Victims of human trafficking
- Victims of modern slavery
- Survivors of abuse and oppression
- Sudan
- Those seeking freedom, healing, forgiveness, and hope
What is the St. Josephine Bakhita Novena for?
The St. Josephine Bakhita Novena is prayed to ask for her intercession for:
- Freedom from physical or spiritual bondage
- Healing from trauma and abuse
- Strength during suffering
- Forgiveness and inner peace
- Trust in God’s providence
- Special personal intentions
When should I pray the St. Josephine Bakhita Novena?
You may pray the novena at any time during the year. Many Catholics begin it on January 30, finishing on her feast day, February 8. It is also commonly prayed by those seeking healing, freedom, and hope in difficult circumstances.
How do you pray the St. Josephine Bakhita Novena?
Pray the novena prayer each day for nine consecutive days. Present your personal intention, then conclude with:
- Pray One: Our Father…
- Pray One: Hail Mary…
- Pray One: Glory Be…
Why is St. Josephine Bakhita associated with victims of human trafficking?
As a child, St. Josephine Bakhita endured years of slavery before eventually gaining her freedom. Because of her personal experience and her witness of forgiveness and faith, the Church honors her as the patron saint of victims of human trafficking and modern slavery. Many people ask for her prayers for those who are exploited or deprived of their dignity.
What can we learn from St. Josephine Bakhita?
St. Josephine Bakhita teaches us that God’s grace can transform even the deepest suffering into a life of holiness. Her example inspires us to forgive, trust in God’s providence, persevere through trials, and treat every person with dignity and love.
When is the feast day of St. Josephine Bakhita?
The feast day of St. Josephine Bakhita is celebrated each year on February 8.
| Novena Begins: | January 30 |
| Feast Day: | February 8 |
Patron Saint of Victims
Day 1 – St. Josephine Bakhita Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Loving God, Rewarder of the humble, You blessed St. Josephine Bakhita with extraordinary charity, patience, and unwavering faith. Through her intercession, help us to carry our crosses with trust and perseverance, and to love You above all things.
Pour upon us the spirit of wisdom, humility, and love with which You filled St. Josephine Bakhita.
(Mention your request here…)
By serving You as she did, may we please You by our faith and our actions. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
St. Josephine Bakhita, pray for us.
Amen.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 2 – St. Josephine Bakhita Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Loving God, Rewarder of the humble, You blessed St. Josephine Bakhita with extraordinary charity, patience, and unwavering faith. Through her intercession, help us to carry our crosses with trust and perseverance, and to love You above all things.
Pour upon us the spirit of wisdom, humility, and love with which You filled St. Josephine Bakhita.
(Mention your request here…)
By serving You as she did, may we please You by our faith and our actions. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
St. Josephine Bakhita, pray for us.
Amen.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 3 – St. Josephine Bakhita Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Loving God, Rewarder of the humble, You blessed St. Josephine Bakhita with extraordinary charity, patience, and unwavering faith. Through her intercession, help us to carry our crosses with trust and perseverance, and to love You above all things.
Pour upon us the spirit of wisdom, humility, and love with which You filled St. Josephine Bakhita.
(Mention your request here…)
By serving You as she did, may we please You by our faith and our actions. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
St. Josephine Bakhita, pray for us.
Amen.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 4 – St. Josephine Bakhita Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Loving God, Rewarder of the humble, You blessed St. Josephine Bakhita with extraordinary charity, patience, and unwavering faith. Through her intercession, help us to carry our crosses with trust and perseverance, and to love You above all things.
Pour upon us the spirit of wisdom, humility, and love with which You filled St. Josephine Bakhita.
(Mention your request here…)
By serving You as she did, may we please You by our faith and our actions. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
St. Josephine Bakhita, pray for us.
Amen.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 5 – St. Josephine Bakhita Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Loving God, Rewarder of the humble, You blessed St. Josephine Bakhita with extraordinary charity, patience, and unwavering faith. Through her intercession, help us to carry our crosses with trust and perseverance, and to love You above all things.
Pour upon us the spirit of wisdom, humility, and love with which You filled St. Josephine Bakhita.
(Mention your request here…)
By serving You as she did, may we please You by our faith and our actions. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
St. Josephine Bakhita, pray for us.
Amen.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 6 – St. Josephine Bakhita Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Loving God, Rewarder of the humble, You blessed St. Josephine Bakhita with extraordinary charity, patience, and unwavering faith. Through her intercession, help us to carry our crosses with trust and perseverance, and to love You above all things.
Pour upon us the spirit of wisdom, humility, and love with which You filled St. Josephine Bakhita.
(Mention your request here…)
By serving You as she did, may we please You by our faith and our actions. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
St. Josephine Bakhita, pray for us.
Amen.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 7 – St. Josephine Bakhita Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Loving God, Rewarder of the humble, You blessed St. Josephine Bakhita with extraordinary charity, patience, and unwavering faith. Through her intercession, help us to carry our crosses with trust and perseverance, and to love You above all things.
Pour upon us the spirit of wisdom, humility, and love with which You filled St. Josephine Bakhita.
(Mention your request here…)
By serving You as she did, may we please You by our faith and our actions. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
St. Josephine Bakhita, pray for us.
Amen.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 8 – St. Josephine Bakhita Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Loving God, Rewarder of the humble, You blessed St. Josephine Bakhita with extraordinary charity, patience, and unwavering faith. Through her intercession, help us to carry our crosses with trust and perseverance, and to love You above all things.
Pour upon us the spirit of wisdom, humility, and love with which You filled St. Josephine Bakhita.
(Mention your request here…)
By serving You as she did, may we please You by our faith and our actions. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
St. Josephine Bakhita, pray for us.
Amen.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 9 – St. Josephine Bakhita Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Loving God, Rewarder of the humble, You blessed St. Josephine Bakhita with extraordinary charity, patience, and unwavering faith. Through her intercession, help us to carry our crosses with trust and perseverance, and to love You above all things.
Pour upon us the spirit of wisdom, humility, and love with which You filled St. Josephine Bakhita.
(Mention your request here…)
By serving You as she did, may we please You by our faith and our actions. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
St. Josephine Bakhita, pray for us.
Amen.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Leave us your prayers…