Bakhita awoke early. The excitement of the previous day still filled her imagination. “So many spiritual gifts, Jesus,” the young woman whispered. “In one day I received Baptism, Holy Communion, and Confirmation.” Her heart was brimming with joy. “Thank you, good Master. Thank you, my Lord!”
Day after day Bakhita embraced the rhythm of the school schedule that allowed for prayer, study, work, meals, and relaxation. Most of all, she appreciated the time spent with Jesus present in the tabernacle. She sometimes imagined the Lord sitting next to her. Then her words of praise and gratitude would fall naturally like a conversation from her lips. She would remind her divine Teacher about her grateful heart. She would never forget how hard her life had been during her years of slavery. “Just look at me now, Jesus,” she prayed. “Because of you, because of your mercy and love, everything is different now.”
Bakhita didn’t find it difficult to believe in miracles. Each new day offered her the opportunity to live out the miracle of her Baptism.
One day Bakhita had another important choice to make. Signor Checchini was visiting, as he did so often. “Bakhita,” he began, “I’ve discussed this with my wife and children. Would you like to become part of our family and live with us as my daughter? I will be your father, my wife will be your mother, our home will be your home. Upon my death, you will inherit part of my estate.”
The young woman was speechless. She was truly honored by this offer, but eventually she decided she could not accept it. Bakhita had begun to hear the gentle voice of the Lord calling her to a religious vocation. Signor Cecchini was disappointed, but, because of his own deep spiritual life, he understood and accepted her decision.
Time passed and the attraction to consecrate her life to God became stronger. I see how the sisters dedicate their lives to Jesus, she mused. Their entire lives are for him, in imitation of him, and out of love for him. I want to be a sister, too, but I’ve seen only Italian sisters here. Would I be allowed to join?
Bakhita didn’t know, but she hoped so. Finally, the young woman found the courage to ask the priest to whom she went regularly to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation. Father encouraged her in her desire to become a sister. He had great respect for women religious in the Church and for the Daughters of Charity of Canossa. He suggested that Bakhita talk to the superior of the convent, Sister Luigia Bottesella. Bakhita grew even more hopeful.
Sister Luigia contacted Sister Anna Previtali, the provincial superior in Verona. “Bakhita wants to become a sister,” Sister Luigia explained.
“Well, why not?” Sister Anna responded.
Up until then Bakhita had only had the opportunity to meet the Canossian Sisters who served at the school she attended in Venice. In time she would learn more about the Canossian Daughters of Charity and about her calling to religious life. The Congregation had already opened missions in China, India, and Malaysia. As far back as 1860 they had accepted many fine young women from these countries into the Congregation, and they still continue to do so.
Sister Magdalene of Canossa, the foundress of the Daughters of Charity, had been born in Verona, Italy, in 1774. She saw an urgent need to help the poor find salvation and began her Congregation in 1808 to fill that need. Sister Magdalene died in 1835, and was proclaimed a saint by Pope John Paul II in 1988.
Because Saint Magdalene’s family name was Canossa, the sisters of her Congregation became known as “Canossians.” Saint Magdalene had assured her sisters that young women who asked to join their community needed only a great love of God and neighbor. A person’s national origin, skin color, or social status was unimportant. With this clearly in mind, Sister Anna submitted Bakhita’s request to Cardinal Luigi of Canossa.
According to Church law (canon law) at that time, every religious Congregation of women had a bishop as their superior. Cardinal Luigi was the nephew of Saint Magdalene as well as the ecclesiastical superior of the Congregation. He and the other Canossian superiors intended to do just what the foundress would have wanted. There was no doubt in their minds that if Saint Magdalene were seated in the room with them, Bakhita would be warmly accepted into the convent.
Bakhita’s dream was going to come true! Sister Anna shared the news with her and with the other sisters. Everyone was overjoyed.