Modern Slavery - our inspirational saints
Slavery still exists. Modern slavery is still around us. In the work of Salford Loaves & Fishes, we do find victims of modern slavery and most of us will have come across victims perhaps without realising it.
Inspirational Saints
Below are some notable Catholic saints who were enslaved at some point in their lives:
St. Patrick (5th Century)
Patron Saint of Ireland
St. Patrick was born in Roman Britain but was captured by Irish raiders at the age of 16 and taken to Ireland as a slave. For six years, he worked as a shepherd, enduring harsh conditions. During this time, he deepened his faith through prayer. After escaping slavery, he returned to Britain but later felt called to return to Ireland as a missionary. He played a pivotal role in converting the Irish people to Christianity.
St. Josephine Bakhita (1869–1947)
St. Josephine Bakhita was born in Sudan and kidnapped as a child, enduring years of brutal slavery. She was sold multiple times and subjected to physical and emotional abuse. Eventually, she was taken to Italy, where she encountered the Canossian Sisters and learned about Christianity. After gaining her freedom, she became a Catholic and joined the Canossian order, dedicating her life to serving God and others. Her story is a powerful testament to forgiveness and the dignity of the human person.
St. Callistus (Died c. 223)
Pope and Martyr
St. Callistus was a slave in Rome who was entrusted with managing his master's financial affairs. After a series of misfortunes, including being accused of embezzlement, he was sentenced to hard labor in the mines. He was later freed and became a deacon, eventually being elected Pope. Despite facing opposition and controversy, he worked to reconcile sinners with the Church and emphasised God's mercy.
St. Felicitas (2nd Century)
Martyr
St. Felicitas was a slave and Christian martyr in Rome. She was arrested for her faith along with her mistress, St. Perpetua, and other companions. Despite being pregnant at the time of her arrest, she gave birth in prison and was later martyred in the arena. Her courage and faith in the face of death have inspired Christians for centuries.
St. Onesimus (1st Century)
Disciple of St. Paul
St. Onesimus was a slave who fled from his master, Philemon, and encountered St. Paul while the latter was imprisoned. Paul converted Onesimus to Christianity and sent him back to Philemon with a letter (the Epistle to Philemon in the New Testament), urging Philemon to welcome him as a brother in Christ. Onesimus later became a bishop and is venerated as a saint.
St. Moses the Black (4th Century)
Desert Father and Martyr
St. Moses the Black was an Ethiopian slave who became a notorious outlaw. After a profound conversion, he renounced his life of crime and became a monk in the Egyptian desert. Known for his humility and wisdom, he is revered as one of the Desert Fathers. He was martyred by raiders while defending his monastery.
St. Bathildis (7th Century)
Queen and Nun
St. Bathildis was an Anglo-Saxon slave who was sold to the Frankish court. She eventually married King Clovis II and became queen. After her husband's death, she served as regent for her son and worked to abolish the slave trade in France. Later, she retired to a monastery, where she lived a life of prayer and service.
Working for slaves
St. Peter Claver (1581–1654)
Patron Saint of Slaves
While not a slave himself, St. Peter Claver dedicated his life to serving enslaved Africans in Colombia. He ministered to their physical and spiritual needs, baptizing thousands and advocating for their dignity. His work earned him the title "Apostle of the Slaves."
The stories of these saints remind us of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of faith to overcome even the most oppressive circumstances. They challenge us to recognise the inherent dignity of every person and to work for justice and freedom in our own time. Their witness continues to inspire Catholics and all people of goodwill to fight against modern forms of slavery and exploitation.
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