Homily: Memorial of Josephine Bakhita
Memorial of Josephine Bakhita (Mark 7:1-13) “My Master is Jesus”
St. Josephine was born in 1869 in Sudan. She was kidnapped at seven years old and sold into slavery. As a young child she was bought and sold several times. Her body was mutilated, and she lived through all kinds of indignities. She was given the name Bakhita which means fortunate one.
In 1883 she was sold to the Callisto family. They were a family of diplomats. In 1885 she was taken to Italy where the Callisto family let a family named Michieli borrow her. She became a nanny to the Michieli children and accompany a daughter to a school run by the Canossian Sisters.
Bakhita listened attentively to what was taught, especially to what was shared about Catholicism. She felt drawn to the Catholic faith and asked to be baptized. Her wishes were granted, and she took the name Josephine.
The Callisto family still owned Josephine and wanted to take her back to Sudan. But she refused to go. Her case was placed before the magistrate, and it was pointed out that slavery was illegal in Italy. Josephine was set free.
She chose to pursue a religious vocation and she asked to be admitted to the Canossian Sisters. They accepted her and she worked as a greeter at the door of the convent, a cook and a housekeeper her who whole religious life.
Sister Josephine fought for her freedom. She had no money and as a Black woman endured prejudice. Fortunately, religious sisters and the local bishop helped with her cause. It took great courage for St. Josephine to win her freedom. She was happy to serve a master of her choosing, Jesus Christ. She lived until 1947 and was canonized at the turn of the 21st century. Her life is a reminder that there are still people who are trafficked in the world today. We need to be aware of their plight and try to speak up for them in whatever way we can.
Reflection Questions:
- Who are those who are trafficked today? Are there ways that I can help them?
- Racism is a controversial topic in our society. Am I afraid to talk about it with others? What might I say?
Dear Parishioners,
Starting next Monday, we should be having workers in the church once again. This time we will be repairing water damaged plaster. This damage has occurred over the last ten years. With our tuck pointing and by repairing the gutters and down spouts on the church we hope that we will not have such leaking any time soon. Old churches are notorious for leaky roofs so there are bound to be issues in the future. Sacred Heart has an elaborate drainage system and we have tried to improve it as best we can. Extreme weather will happen, and we will pray that the repairs that we have done will keep us from having any bad leaks in the next few years.
The construction we are doing right now should last about two weeks. We will continue to have Mass in the church. I ask everyone to be patient. I apologize in advance for any dust and any smell that might result from repairs. Things should progress rapidly. Our object, once again, is to maintain our beautiful worship space.
May Our Lady and All the Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark