Dinner with the Saints
Welcome St. Josephine Bahkita to the table!
Tonight, we will eat with our hands. This is common practice because it is thought to create a closer connection to the food. Sudanese cuisine showcases the country's diverse culture by using different ingredients and cooking methods from various areas. The mix of Arab, African, and Mediterranean influences results in a rich variety of flavors and cooking traditions. Sharing a meal goes beyond just eating; it helps build relationships and create a sense of unity. Sharing meals brings people closer and emphasizes the importance of community in Sudanese culture. I am eager to learn more about St. Josephine!
What’s for dinner?
Shawarma, or Kajo-Keji Kebab Wraps, is a popular street food in South Sudan. It consists of marinated meat, fresh vegetables, and tasty sauces wrapped in warm flatbread. (for the recipe click on phot below.) Grilled meat wrapped in flatbread.
St. Josephine Bakhita, also called Mother Moretta, is the patron saint of Sudan. She was born in 1869 in Darfur, an important historical state in what is now western Sudan. This sultanate existed from the year 1603 until 1874, when it ultimately succumbed to the advances of the Sudanese warlord Rabih az-Zubayr. Josephine Bahkita’s life was profoundly marked by tragedy and hardship from a very young age.
While working side by side in the fields with her mother at the tender age of nine, she was tragically captured and sold into slavery. The severe trauma of being forcibly taken from her family and life affected her memory so deeply that she forgot her original name. Instead, her captors assigned her the name “Bakhita,” which means “fortunate.” Despite her difficult circumstances, she displayed remarkable resilience, attempting to escape on numerous occasions; however, she was never successful. Throughout her harrowing journey, she was sold five times in various locations, including El Obeid and Khartoum.
An Italian consul named Legnani bought her and treated her kindly, changing her life. She enjoyed his company and asked to join him in Italy. Once they arrived, he left her with the Michieli family, where she worked as a nanny for some time. She dedicated her life to the Lord while living with the Sisters of the Institute of the Catechumens. Later, the Michielis moved to the Red Sea, leaving Bakhita in Venice. There, she recognized God’s love through the kindness of Italian families. The sisters taught her about the Lord, helping her find answers to her spiritual questions. In 1890, she was baptized as Josephine. When the Michielis returned, Josephine chose to remain at the sacristy, and Mrs. Michieli agreed.
She worked in the sacristy for 50 years, where she wrote her biography. Josephine helped with cooking, sewing, and greeting visitors. Her kind nature, warm smile, and encouraging words inspired everyone. her autobiography was released in 1930, she traveled the world sharing her story and the hope she found in Christ.
What can we learn from the remarkable life of Saint Josephine Bahkita?
Her experiences and strong resilience provide important lessons about forgiveness, hope, and the strength of the human spirit. Her story encourages us to value compassion and understanding in our lives, as well as the role of faith in facing challenges. Bakhita's journey shows us that even in tough times, we can discover redemption and purpose. She stands as an inspiring example of good winning over evil, love overcoming hate, and mercy prevailing over cruelty. St. Josephine Bakhita teaches us about hope, determination, forgiveness, and the deep peace we can find even when life is hard.
A Prayer for the Intercession of St. Josephine Bahkita
Saint Josephine Bakhita, as a child, you were sold as a slave and had to spend untold difficulties and suffering.
Once freed from your physical slavery, you found the true redemption in your encounter with Christ and his Church.
Oh, St. Bakhita, help those who are trapped in slavery; intercede on their behalf before God so that they are freed from the chains of captivity.
May God free anyone who has been enslaved.
Provide relief to those who survive slavery and allow them to see Him as a model of faith and hope.
Help all survivors to find healing for their wounds.
We beg you to pray and intercede for those who are enslaved among us.
Amen
source: CNA
Shawarma, or Kajo-Keji Kebab Wraps
Click on image for recipe
St. Josephine Bahkita, Pray for us!
Keep at it!
Keep praying. Love the Lord.
Peace and Grace.
