Each person in Bakhita’s story was like a link in the chain of her life. Some links were more important than others. One vital link was Sister Maria Fabretti, who would lead Bakhita along the road of faith. She would also teach her basic skills such as reading, writing, and comprehension.
Another very important link in the chain was Signor Checchini. He was a dedicated family man who lived his faith in everyday life. Those around him sensed that his inner peace came from his love for Jesus and his Catholic faith. He was a talented businessman, but at the same time his life’s priorities were in order. He understood Bakhita’s burning desire to believe in God and to know him. Signor Checchini was determined that she would get that opportunity.
For Bakhita, Signor Checchini was very special. Some years later, she wrote: “Signor Checchini was a man with a golden heart: intelligent, honest, open, and an excellent Catholic. From the very beginning, he had shown a fatherly affection for me.” Bakhita was very grateful for his kindness and care.
One day, when Bakhita was about to begin her instructions, Signor Checchini took something from his pocket. “I have something for you, Bakhita.” He opened up his hand. Resting in his palm was a shiny silver object. The man lifted it to his lips and kissed it. “This is a crucifix,” he explained kindly. “A crucifix is a cross with the image of Jesus on it. Christians believe that Jesus is God’s Son who came to this earth to save us from our sins.”
The African girl was intrigued. She had never heard anything like this before. “Bakhita, I want you to have this crucifix,” Signor Checchini continued. “It’s for you to keep.” She took the treasure carefully into her hands and stared at it. “Oh, thank you, Signor,” she answered. In private moments, Bakhita would pull the crucifix from her pocket and look at it. As time passed, with Sister Maria’s help, the young woman learned more about Jesus and what the crucifix means. It became precious to her.
Since the time she had been taken into slavery, Bakhita had never had anything all her own. The silver crucifix was the first gift she ever received. At first, she feared that she would lose it. But as the weeks and months passed, she no longer worried about that. Bakhita had begun to understand that Jesus would always be there for her. He was in her soul. In fact, he became the center of her life.
As Bakhita began to understand and love her faith, she recognized how that faith could be lived every day. It was instinctive for her to search for people who already lived what she was learning about. She treasured the good example of Signor Checchini, and of the sisters with whom she lived, especially Sister Maria.
Nine months flew by. Bakhita was very happy to be learning all about Catholicism. Sister Maria praised her, saying, “You drink in the truths of faith.” The young African prepared joyously for her coming Baptism. But there was one dark worry in Bakhita’s mind. What will happen when Signora Michieli returns from Africa? she asked herself. She was soon to find out.
Signora Michieli finally returned to Venice to claim her daughter and Bakhita. “My religious instruction is not yet finished,” the young African politely explained. Bakhita realized that if she left the school now, she might never have the opportunity to complete her studies and be baptized. “I want to stay here with the sisters,” she said gently.
Signora Michieli became angry. “How ungrateful you are,” she stormed, “after all I’ve done for you!”
Bakhita winced. She didn’t want to appear ungrateful. She truly appreciated all that Signora Michieli had done for her, but she appreciated her new faith even more.
The next day, Signora Michieli came back to the school again. She coaxed and pleaded, but Bakhita was immovable. “I am sure,” Bakhita wrote later, “the Lord gave me special strength at that moment because he wanted me for himself alone.”
Signora Michieli would not give up so easily. She continued her pleas and threats. Finally, the superior of the sisters contacted Cardinal Domenico Agostini, the patriarch of Venice, and explained the situation. The cardinal asked for help from one of the king’s officers, who solved the problem. He declared that, because slavery was illegal in Italy, Bakhita was a free person—whether Signora Michieli liked it or not. “No one can force her to do anything she doesn’t want to do,” he said.
The next day Signora Michieli returned to the school for the third and last time. Cardinal Agostini attended this final meeting, along with the superior and some of the school’s sisters. The cardinal spoke first, opening up what was to become a long meeting. Finally, it ended. The decision reached was in Bakhita’s favor!
Signora Michieli shed tears of disappointment and rage. She stood up and snatched Mimmina away from Bakhita. The little girl held on to her friend, but her mother forced her to let go. Mimmina wailed loudly as her mother dragged her out of the room. Bakhita’s tears flowed, too. How sorry she was to be the cause of so much unhappiness! How she would miss little Mimmina!
But Bakhita felt relief, too, that she had not let anyone steer her away from her great goal of Baptism. She would never forget this day or date. It was November 29, 1889. As a free person, she had made her choice not to go with Signora Michieli, but to remain at the school and become a member of Jesus’ Church.