Isidore Bakanja
vers 1885-1909 19th century Feast day: August 12
Faith held fast even in the flesh, and forgiveness offered to the torturer.
Who was Isidore Bakanja?
A young Congolese laborer, a mason's helper and then a servant, he was baptized by missionaries and received the Carmelite scapular, which he wore with pride. His master, hostile to the faith, demanded he remove it and had him flogged with unheard-of savagery. Isidore refused to take off his scapular and died of his wounds in 1909, at twenty-four, having forgiven the man who struck him.
In their own words
If you see my mother, or if you go before the judge, or if you meet the priest, tell them that I am dying because I am a Christian.
When I get to heaven, I will pray much for him and ask God to forgive him.