Saint Josephine Bakhita Statue Detail:
Bakhita, dressed in a nun’s robe, stands solemnly and serenely. Her right hand holds aloft a cross, the core symbol of her faith. Her left hand holds a broken chain, symbolizing her liberation, both body and soul, from slavery.
Her facial expression is calm, gentle, and compassionate, her eyes revealing a peace and steadfastness that transcends suffering. The crown she wears is not a full crown, but a symbolic tiara, representing the suffering she endured throughout her life and the glory she ultimately received through her faith.
Origin and Symbolism:
Background: The real-life figure is Saint Josephine Bakhita (c. 1869-1947), born in Darfur, Sudan. As a child, she was kidnapped by Arab slave traders and repeatedly sold, suffering inhuman abuse and torture. The name “Bakhita,” meaning “lucky one,” was given to her by slave traders and is full of irony.
Towards Freedom: Later, she was bought by an Italian consul and taken to Italy. In Italy, she came into contact with the Catholic faith and eventually gained her personal freedom through legal means.
A Life of Dedication: After gaining her freedom, she chose to become a nun of the Canossian Daughters of Charity, serving in the convent for nearly 50 years. She was known for her humility, gentleness, and ever-present smile, and was affectionately called “Madre Moretta.”
Canonization and Location: In 2000, Pope John Paul II canonized her. She is venerated as the patron saint of Sultanates and victims of human trafficking. The specific sculpture in the image is located in the Sainte-Marie among the Hurons Historic Site Park in Midland, Ontario, Canada, a Catholic pilgrimage site.
This sculpture is a moving monument that not only commemorates Saint Josephine Bakhita’s extraordinary life but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing issues of slavery and human trafficking, conveying an enduring message of faith, hope, and human dignity. If you would like a statue of Saint Josephine Bakhita to be commissioned, please feel free to contact us.
