Born in southern Sudan to a tribal chief, Josephine was kidnapped at the age of seven by Muslim traders and sold into slavery. The traumatic events of her young life and the harsh treatment of her captors caused her to develop amnesia, earning her the mocking name Bakhita or "fortunate". She was resold over a dozen times, forced to walk barefoot over 600 miles to slave markets, and endured multiple beatings and punishments that left her whole body horribly scarred and broken.
Finally in 1883, she was sold to Callisto Legnani, a kind Italian consul in Khartoum, Sudan, who took Josephine to Italy and gave her to his friend Augusto Michieli as a nanny for his daughter, Mimmina. When the Michielis had to travel to Sudan, Josephine was sent with Mimmina to Venice’s Institute of the Catechumens, run by the Canossian Sisters. While Mimmina was being instructed, Josephine discovered the Catholic Church and decided to stay with the Sisters.
When the Michielis returned from Africa and wanted to take Mimmina and Josephine back with them, Josephine refused to leave. During the ensuing court case, the judge concluded that since slavery was outlawed in Sudan before her birth, she was already free.
Josephine entered the Catholic Church in 1890, and joinded Canossian Daughters of Charity. In 1902, she was transferred to the city of Schio (northeast of Verona), where she assisted her religious community through cooking, sewing, embroidery, and welcoming visitors at the door. She was known for her gentle voice and smile and was often referred to lovingly as the "little brown sister" or honorably as the "black mother." When speaking of her enslavement, she often professed she would thank her kidnappers. For had she not been kidnapped, she might never have come to know Jesus Christ and have entered His Church.
During World War II, the people of the village of Schio regarded her as their protector and although bombs fell on their village, not one citizen died.
In her later years, she began to suffer physical pain and was forced to use a wheelchair. But she always remained cheerful. If anyone asked her how she was, she would reply, "As the master desires." On the evening of February 8, 1947, Josephine spoke her last words, "Our Lady, Our Lady!"
 
This print is part of the "Happy Saint" collection by Anna Morelli.
 
The image is professionally printed, hand-signed by the artist, and comes enclosed in a plastic sleeve to ensure protection.