On the Feast of St Josephine Bakhita, celebrated on 8 February, we are called to walk gently with those on the margins as we enter the season of Lent.
The St Josephine Bakhita Memorial Mass was celebrated on Sunday 8 February 2026, at St Patrick’s Church, Mary, Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown, with Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, presiding.
Canonised by Pope St John Paul II on 1 October 2000, St Josephine Bakhita is remembered as the Patron Saint of South Sudan and Sudan, and as a powerful advocate for the victims of modern slavery and human trafficking.
Reflecting on her extraordinary life, Bishop Vincent shared that in freeing herself from the shackles of forced servitude and slavery, she became the model of living for others.
“Josephine is proof that God can use the most unlikely people to do extraordinary things,” Bishop Vincent said.
“Her legacy shows that transformation is possible through suffering, a truth written into the history and resilience of the people of South Sudan.”
A Sudanese and South Sudanese tradition
A highlight of the Mass was the Sudanese Legion of Mary women’s group presenting fruit baskets at the altar, a beautiful symbol of almsgiving, generosity, and community spirit.
Bishop Vincent said the Scriptures encouraged us to be “the changing agent for the world”.
“Christians are people whose duty it is to shine the light of Christ to the darkness around us. We are called to be salt of the earth in the way we live and witness to the values of the Gospel,” he said.
Members of the Sudanese and South Sudanese Catholic community with local community members during the St Josephine Bakhita Memorial Mass at St Patrick’s Church, Mary Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown. Image: Kalvin Biag/Supplied
The global fight against human trafficking and slavery
St Josephine stood against slavery and human trafficking – an issue that still exists in Australia in many forms. From forced labour, forced marriage, sexual exploitation and human trafficking; and more recently, the Australian Federal Police have reported instances of forced criminality with people being forced to work in scam centres.
Today, an estimated 50 million people live in modern slavery worldwide – including around 41,000 in Australia, according to the Global Slavery Index.
The 2025 St Josephine Bakhita Memorial Mass was celebrated by Bishop of Parramatta, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv on Sunday 16 February 2025 at Mary, Queen of the Family Parish, St Patrick’s Catholic Church Blacktown. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Sr Noelene Simmons SM, a prominent Australian Marist Sister and a key leader in the Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans (ACRATH), reminds us of the dignity and human rights of every person.
“Human trafficking and modern slavery violate these rights and treat people as commodities that can be disposed of when no longer needed,” Sr Noelene said at the event.
A community gathered
This year’s Mass was attended by a distinguished gathering of leaders, politicians, and special guests, including Dr Hugh McDermott, MP (Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney General and Member for Prospect); Mr Stephen Bali MP (Member for Blacktown); Clr Susai Benjamin OAM (Blacktown City Council); and Kalvin Biag (a Western Sydney advocate) on behalf of Mark Coure MP, Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism.
“The story of St Bakhita is one of inspiration, especially for people in our community seeking physical and spiritual deliverance in a new land,” Dr Hugh McDermott posted on Facebook.
Also present was Jack de Groot, Executive Director of Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese; Dr Valentine Mukuria, Campus Dean at the Australian Catholic University Blacktown Campus, named in honour of St Bakhita, and representatives from the Australian Catholic Anti-Slavery Network, Ms Alison Rahill and Moe Turaga.
Their presence reflected a shared commitment across government, education, and community organisations to raise awareness and act against modern slavery.
Members of the Sudanese and South Sudanese Catholic community in prayer during the 2025 St Josephine Bakhita Memorial Mass at St Patrick’s Church, Mary Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Following the Mass, the community gathered at the All Saints of Africa Centre for refreshments and further reflection on the life and legacy of St Josephine Bakhita.
“St Bakhita’s life continues to speak with quiet power,” Christian Koelbach, Director of Engagement from the International Justice Mission (IJM) said.
“Not because her suffering defines her, but because her dignity endured.”
He added, “Her story reminds us that the Church has long held the conviction that no human life is ever disposable, and that remembrance itself is a form of faithfulness.”
Gigi Tupas, IJM’s Senior Lead for Engagement and Partnerships, who recently relocated from the Philippines, briefly shared her previous visit to St Josephine Bakhita’s burial site in Schio, Italy, expressing deep compassion for the South Sudanese and Sudanese Catholic Communities in the Diocese of Parramatta.
Deacon John Cinya and Akok Bill, Chairperson of the South Sudanese and Sudanese Catholic Communities, thanked everyone for their support and for attending the Memorial Mass and community celebrations of St Josephine Bakhita each year.
Western Sydney advocate Kalvin Biag (second right) on behalf of Mark Coure MP, Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, with members of the Sudanese and South Sudanese community following the St Josephine Bakhita Memorial Mass at St Patrick’s Church, Mary Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown. Image: Kalvin Biag/Supplied
Fr Grzegorz Mazur OP said the celebration “will stay in my memory and heart for a long time”.
“Praying with Catholics from Sudan made a deep impression on me. A beautiful Mass, uplifting singing, and a natural, grace filled liturgical dance.”
The Church calls us to learn from the humility of St Josephine Bakhita, and it is high time we walk gently with the vulnerable people in our society. Especially during Lent, we are called to be charitable and harmonious toward one another.
This celebration reflects the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Community, Prayer, and Reaching the Margins. Visit Synodality to learn more.
James Atanasious is a member of the Diocese’s Mission Enhancement Team (MET), where he contributes to initiatives that support community engagement, faith formation, environmental and social justice, and pastoral outreach. Contact MET to learn more.
