Blessed Isidore Bakanja Wooden Doll Ornament

Handmade original Blessed Isidore Bakanja Wooden Doll Ornament. Perfect for the Christmas Tree. Bring out on his feast day. Gift for a birthday or sacrament (Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, Holy Orders, Marriage) celebration. Teacher, priest, grandparent gift.

Born in northeast Zaire around 1885, his baptismal record at 18 is the first document about him, as he worked for white colonizers as a assistant mason. Taught lessons by the Trappist missionaries from Belgium: a follower of Jesus should be characterized by prayer and witness, recognized by a rosary and scapular. Hired as a domestic boy at the rubber plantations by atheists who hated Catholicism, when he refused to remove his scapular on two separate occasions, he was twice flogged; the second time was over 100 blows. With deep wounds he escaped to the forest, later two missionaries helped him receive the sacraments and urged him to forgive his torturer. He assured them he had already done so, “Certainly I shall pray for him. When I am in heaven, I shall pray for him very much.” He died six months later in 1909, a rosary in his hand and the Brown Scapular around his neck.

Made of wood, felt, ribbon, and handmade accessories. Includes tag and card with Saint description. Approximately 4" tall. Packaged in cellophane bag. Shipped in box with bubble wrap.