St. Josephine Bakhita was born in Sudan and endured great suffering before discovering her freedom and dignity as a beloved child of God. Her life is a powerful witness to hope, forgiveness, and God’s healing love. Her feast day invites us to reflect on God’s mercy and the dignity He gives every person.
Here are gentle ways to honor her feast day as a family.
Enjoy Sudanese-Inspired Food
To help children connect with St. Josephine’s story, try a few simple foods she might have eaten as a child in Sudan. Some easy Sudanese-inspired options include: flatbread or pita, lentils or chickpeas, rice with spices (Turmeric or cinnamon), and dates.
Make a Paper Chain of Hope
St. Josephine Bakhita is often shown holding a broken chain, symbolizing both her freedom from slavery and the spiritual freedom she found in Christ. Use our Chain of Hope Printable to create a paper chain with prewritten affirmations as a reminder of hope and God’s love.
Pray for Those Who Are Suffering
Light a candle and pray for people who are enslaved or bound, whether literally or figuratively by sin, and for all who are suffering. Ask St. Josephine Bakhita to intercede for them and help them know God’s love and freedom.
Listen to the St. Josephine Bakhita Podcast
For a beautiful and engaging way to hear St. Josephine’s story, listen to the Saints Alive podcast episode about her life. It shares how she moved from slavery into freedom and found joy and forgiveness in Christ—an inspiring testimony for children and adults alike.
? Listen here: Saints Alive Podcast – St. Josephine Bakhita
Read About Her in Princesses of Heaven
St. Josephine also appears in Princesses of Heaven, a picture book that presents her as a shining example of courage, hope, and trust in God. It’s a lovely way for younger children to meet her and see how God can bring beauty from even the hardest moments.
