In January 1890, Bakhita’s instruction was finally complete. The date for her Baptism had been set: January 9. What was more, the nobility of Venice had all heard about the former slave’s brave decision to remain at the sisters’ school. The tale of this former slave had touched their hearts, and many of them had offered to serve as her godmother and as her confirmation sponsor.
Everything about the great day was so special! The chapel, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, was decorated with flowers. The priestly vestments were elegant. Twenty-one-year-old Bakhita was both excited and calm at the same time. She had fasted since midnight according to the rules followed at the time for the reception of Holy Communion.
She smiled to herself as she knelt in the chapel, praying. “Oh Jesus,” she whispered, “I’m so excited. I could never have eaten anything, even if there were no fasting rules. Sometimes, Lord, I wonder if this is all really happening. It seems too wonderful to be true!”
The convent bells rang. It was time! Bakhita was taken into an adjoining room to wait for the moment she was to enter the chapel. The neighbors had heard the bells pealing, and the doors swung open in welcome. The sisters were stunned to see a great crowd of people fill the chapel. They squeezed into the pews and stood in the aisles, shoulder to shoulder. Bakhita, dressed in white, entered the chapel with Sister Maria Fabretti and her godfather by proxy, Count Marco of Soranzo. He was standing in for his wife, Countess Giuseppina, who was ill that day. Bakhita’s confirmation sponsor was Signora Margherita Donati.
Cardinal Agostini, the patriarch of Venice, began the impressive ceremonies in which Bakhita would receive three sacraments. According to the liturgical customs of that time, Bakhita was baptized and confirmed. The cardinal, dressed in red, poured the waters of Baptism over the girl’s head and pronounced the words: “I baptize you Josephine Margaret Bakhita, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
“Amen,” she responded with all her heart. Bakhita had learned what Amen meant: So be it; so shall it be. Each of Bakhita’s baptismal names had special meaning for her. Josephine (Giuseppina in Italian) was for her godmother, the countess. Margaret (Margherita) was for her confirmation sponsor.
She also chose to keep Bakhita, the name given to her by slave traders. How dear that name had become to her! It had been given sarcastically to a terrified little girl, but God, in his own way, had turned things inside out. As Bakhita, God had led her down the glorious road to freedom and faith. Bakhita, “the lucky one,” lived to see her chains removed forever. She was now a new Christian, a Catholic. In her heart, she experienced something buried in her childhood memories: a deep sense of belonging.
Baptism and Confirmation were followed by the Eucharistic Celebration at which the young African received her First Communion. She was overjoyed. Her face glowed. How long she had waited to know and love God who made the world, people, and all that exists! Now she believed with all her heart that she did know him, and she wanted to spend the rest of her life knowing and loving God always more.
Bakhita thanked everyone for coming. As the guests filed out the door, she promised her prayers for each of them and asked their prayers for her. Soon just a few people remained behind. They were led into the parlor to join the cardinal. Over coffee and sweets, they shared their joy with Bakhita. Among them was Julia Della Fonte, who was a little younger than Bakhita. Since her arrival in Venice, Bakhita and Julia had become close friends.
Although Bakhita probably didn’t realize it, Julia looked up to her. She had watched in admiration as Bakhita studied the faith and grew in the love of Jesus and his Church. Julia wanted just a scrap of attention from her friend on this unforgettable day. But today Bakhita was so important, and there was so much going on! The cardinal, the priests, the guests were all around her in the parlor.
Julia stood silently by, hoping for a moment of Bakhita’s time. Suddenly, Bakhita turned toward her and smiled. “Come over here,” she invited. “Sit next to me.” Julia hurried over. Bakhita made room for her and kissed her affectionately on the cheek. Throughout Julia’s life, this would always remain a very precious memory for her.
Finally the last guest was gone, but Bakhita’s day was far from over. She and Julia were invited to lunch with Father Avogadro, the kindly old chaplain of St. John the Baptist chapel. The atmosphere was cordial and the two young women relaxed over a calm meal and pleasant conversation. All too soon, lunch was finished. Bakhita was sincere in her thanks, and as she and her friend Julia left, she realized that her life was filling up with beautiful memories.
Later that afternoon well-wishers continued to drop in to congratulate Bakhita. Signor Checchini, who had brought his entire family to the ceremony, was one of the people Bakhita was happiest to see. He is a role model as well as a benefactor, the young woman thought to herself. When all her other visitors had left, Signor Checchini checked his pocket watch and smiled.
“Bakhita,” he said quietly, “it’s time to take you to supper at my home. My wife and family will be waiting.”
The young woman smiled. “Oh, thank you for this and for everything, Signor Checchini.”
Bakhita had a wonderful time with the happy Checchini family. Their kindness, and the sense of belonging she felt with them, brought back memories of her own dear family. How blessed I am to have the Checchinis and to be free, she thought. Is my own family free? Are they alive? Are they well? Are they happy?
She felt a momentary pang of longing. But then she remembered that God, her loving Father, had led her out of slavery to the freedom of Jesus and his Church. Couldn’t she trust that the same loving God would care for each member of her family? “Lord,” she prayed, “I give each of my family members to your care. I trust you with all my heart.”
The evening was over; an exciting day had almost come to a close.
Back in her room at the convent school, Bakhita tried to fall asleep. She was very tired, but her happiness kept her wide awake. Again and again her imagination replayed all the events of her great day.