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Bakhita: African Flower (1869-1947)
Bakhita (Arabic for "fortunate one") was only a young child in the Sudan when she was kidnapped, imprisoned, and sold into slavery. The winds of change blew her first into freedom, and then into religious communal life with the Canossian Daughters of Charity in northern Italy. Despite the horrific cruelty and torture to which she had been subjected, Bakhita never condemned those who treated her badly. She continually praised the circumstances of her life which led her to her religious vocation. Serving as a missionary, she often closed her talks with the following words:
"Be good, love the Lord, pray for those who do not know him. What a great grace it is to know God!"
Bakhita was beatified by Pope John Paul II on 17 May 1992. Eight years later she was canonised on 1 October 2000, at the Basilica of San Pietro in Rome, a Saint of the Jubilee Year. Her memorial is celebrated annually on 8 February.
Bakhita Photo Album
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Page 1 Religious profession, jubilee, more
Page 2 Vimercate in 1938, canonisation 2000
Page 3 Icon by Wm. Hart McNichols, SJ and informative links
Lead Us to Christ Jesus
Based on the story and words of Mother Josephine Bakhita.
Commissioned by the Canossian Daughters of Charity, F.d.C.C.
on the occasion of the canonisation of Bakhita, 1 October 2000.
© 2000 Jane Ellen (ASCAP). All rights reserved.
African Flower, gentle one,
stolen away from fam'ly and home;
sold into slav'ry and despair,
given the name of Fortunate One.
Seeing the sun, the moon and stars,
seeking the Master of nature there.
Yearning to know, to touch and see,
wishing the Master's praises to sing.
Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia!
O Saint Bakhita, lead us to Christ Jesus!
Alleluia, alleluia!
No longer slave of man but free,
desiring to be a slave of Christ,
loving with pure humility,
making her life a sweet sacrifice.
Forgiving all who caused her pain,
knowing the myst'ry of the Lord's plan.
Seeing that all things work for good,
placing her faith in God's mighty Hand.
Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia!
O Saint Bakhita, lead us to Christ Jesus!
Alleluia, alleluia!
Daughter of God and friend to all,
longing to fly home to those in need,
wanting to spread her Saviour's love,
joy and compassion, and perfect peace.
O Saint Bakhita, hear our prayer:
teach us to spread our Lord's sacred Word,
praying for those who know Him not,
help us to "be good and love the Lord."
Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia!
O Saint Bakhita, lead us to Christ Jesus!
Alleluia, alleluia!
Right click either link and select "save target as" for a free audio download of this hymn:
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Lead Us to Christ Jesus, 3 mb (better quality)
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