Patron Saint of Survivors of Slavery

Category: Marginalized & Vulnerable

In Catholic tradition, patron saints are holy men and women whose lives and intercession are considered especially suited to particular needs, groups, or situations. The Church's practice of invoking saints reflects the doctrine of the Communion of Saints — the belief that the faithful departed remain united with the living in the one Body of Christ and can intercede before God on our behalf.

The designation of a patron saint for "Survivors of Slavery" reflects centuries of Catholic popular devotion and, in many cases, formal proclamations by popes or bishops recognizing a saint's particular connection to this intention through the circumstances of their life, death, or documented miracles.

Patron Saint of Survivors of Slavery

Formally proclaimed patronage — sourced from canonized saints in the Roman Calendar.

Primary Patron
Saint Josephine Bakhita

Feast Day
February 8

Saint Josephine Bakhita is invoked as patron of survivors of slavery. Bakhita was born about 1869 in the village of Olgossa in the Darfur region of Sudan. About age seven (by her own later reckoning) she was abducted by Arab slave traders, who gave her the name Bakhita, "the lucky one," because she had forgotten her birth name in the trauma. Sources: https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/homilies/2000/documents/hf_jp-ii_hom_20001001_canonization.html.

Read full biography of Saint Josephine Bakhita →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of survivors of slavery?

Saint Josephine Bakhita is the primary patron saint of survivors of slavery. Their feast day is February 8.

What is a patron saint?

A patron saint is a holy man or woman canonized by the Church whose life and heavenly intercession are considered especially powerful for particular needs, groups, or situations. Catholics ask patron saints to intercede — to pray to God on their behalf — drawing on the doctrine of the Communion of Saints.

How do I ask for Josephine Bakhita's intercession?

To ask for a patron saint's intercession, Catholics typically pray directly to the saint, saying something like: "Josephine Bakhita, pray for us." You may also light a candle, attend Mass on their feast day, or make a novena — nine days of consecutive prayer — asking for their help before a particular need.