St. Josephine Bakhita is known as the Patron Saint of victims
and of survivors of slavery and human trafficking. Her patronage offers hope to victims
and survivors. As they become children of God, they, as victims, are already free.St Josephine Bakhita was born in
1869. While still but a child, she was captured by slave traders
who sold and re-sold her. Eventually, she was purchased by an Italian diplomat who took her to Italy. There she learned about God through the Canossian Daughters (Sisters) of Charity. She found, through the grace of God, to forgive her captors. She believed that forgiveness was the only way to become truly free.The icon's image exhibits St. Bakhita facing front from the waist up, with her
hands held in the "orante" or prayer gesture that is common in icons of virgin
saints - especially that of the Virgin Mary. Additionally, she wears the chains of slavery - now broken - literally and spiritually.The cards measure 5 inches high by 3 inches wide. The backs are blank except for a faint colophon at the
bottom, leaving plenty of room for your own
message or a note to a special friend.