The Sanctuary Church of Blessed Josephine Bakhita: A Testament of Faith in Schio
The Sanctuary Church of Blessed Josephine Bakhita is located in the town of Schio, in the province of Vicenza. This place of worship is dedicated to Blessed Josephine Bakhita, whose extraordinary life has inspired many people around the world.
Josephine Bakhita was born in Sudan in 1869 and was sold into slavery at the age of seven. After being sold multiple times, she was eventually purchased by an Italian consul who brought her to Italy. Here, Bakhita was freed and began working as a domestic servant for various families until she encountered the Canossian Sisters. It was through them that Bakhita embraced the Christian faith and entered religious life.
The Sanctuary in Schio was built to honor Blessed Josephine Bakhita and her testimony of faith. The project, designed by architect Renzo Favaron, was completed in 2001 and features a modern, minimalist architecture.
The interior of the Sanctuary is characterized by a spacious central nave, illuminated by large windows that create a bright and welcoming atmosphere. The side walls feature contemporary artworks, including sculptures by Sandro Chia and a large canvas by Giuseppe Zigaina.
The focal point of the Sanctuary is the chapel dedicated to Blessed Josephine Bakhita. Here, there is a statue of the saint, created by sculptor Bruno Lucchese. On either side of the chapel are two plaques commemorating Bakhita’s parents, who were sold into slavery alongside her.
The Sanctuary in Schio has become a pilgrimage site for many people who come here to pray and reflect on Bakhita’s life and her testimony of faith. The Sanctuary also hosts numerous cultural and religious activities, including concerts, art exhibitions, and prayer gatherings.
In summary, the Sanctuary Church of Blessed Josephine Bakhita represents an important place of worship and testimony of faith in Schio. Its modern and welcoming architecture, along with the contemporary artworks inside, create a unique and evocative atmosphere. If you are looking for a place to pray and reflect on the life of an extraordinary saint, the Sanctuary in Schio is certainly a destination not to be missed.
DETAILS AND HISTORICAL NOTES, INFORMATION ON MIRACLES:
Sister Josephine Bakhita passed away on February 8, 1947, after a long and painful illness.
The remains of the religious sister were initially buried in the tomb of a Schio family, the Gasparellas, in anticipation of a later transfer to the Temple of the Holy Family in the Canossian convent of Schio, which took place in 1969.
On December 1, 1978, Pope John Paul II signed the decree of heroic virtues of the servant of God Josephine Bakhita. During the same pontificate, Josephine Bakhita was beatified on May 17, 1992, and canonized on October 1, 2000. Her liturgical feast day is celebrated on February 8.
The sacred building was carefully restored internally in the early 1990s.
Description: The relics of the Blessed are preserved in a carved wooden urn with glass panels, placed beneath the main altar. The urn is the same one used to preserve the relics of Blessed Magdalene of Canossa until her canonization. The relics are kept within the habit worn by the Canossian Sisters.
Epiphany: Relics Relic: Bones
Original location of the Sanctuary: storage room
Notes on the collection: These date from after the beatification of Sister Bakhita.
Types of ex-votos: Small plaques or metal sheets with inscriptions, Various objects.
Current preservation: Some metal heart-shaped plaques, a small embroidered picture of Christ, and another with an image of the Virgin Mary are kept in the storage room. They can be viewed upon request.
The Canossian Institute’s leadership arranges for the daily weekday celebration of Holy Mass with the local secular and regular clergy.
Via Fusinato Arnaldo, 51, 36015 Schio VI, Italy
