June 3
Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions
Martyrs of Uganda
(1865 – 1886)
“You are burning me, but it is as if you are pouring water over my body.”
Saint Charles Lwanga’s response after refusing request to be let go if he renounced his faith
Saint’s Life Story
Born in Uganda
Charles was born on January 1, 1860, at Bulimu, Buganda, Uganda to a Baganda tribe. Charles served as the chief of the royal pages and later major-domo in the court of King Mwanga II of Buganda. Charles was baptized by Pere Giraud on November 15, 1885.
White Fathers
In 1879, Catholicism began spreading in Uganda when the White Fathers, a congregation of priests founded by Cardinal Lavigerie, were peacefully received by King Mutesa of Uganda.
The priests soon began preparing catechumens for baptism and before long a number of the young pages in the king’s court had become Catholics.
However, on the death of Mutesa, his son Mwanga, a corrupt man who ritually engaged in pedophilic practices with the younger pages, took the throne.
King Mwanga’s Sinful Ways
When King Mwanga had a visiting Anglican Bishop murdered, his chief page, Joseph Mukasa, a Catholic who went to great length to protect the younger boys from the king’s lust, denounced the king’s actions and was beheaded on November 15, 1885.
The 25 year-old Charles Lwanga, a man wholly dedicated to the Christian instruction of the younger boys, became the chief page, and just as forcibly protected them from the king’s advances.
Martyrdom
On the night of the martyrdom of Joseph Mukasa, realizing that their own lives were in danger, Lwanga and some of the other pages went to the White Fathers to receive baptism. Another 100 catechumens were baptized in the week following Joseph Mukasa’s death.
The following May, King Mwanga learned that one of the boys was learning catechism. He was furious and ordered all the pages to be questioned to separate the Christians from the others. The Christians, 15 in all, between the ages of 13 and 25, stepped forward. The King asked them if they were willing to keep their faith. They answered in unison, “Until death!”
They were bound together and taken on a two day walk to Namugongo where they were to be burned at the stake. On the way, Matthias Kalemba, one of the eldest boys, exclaimed, “God will rescue me. But you will not see how he does it, because he will take my soul and leave you only my body.” They executioners cut him to pieces and left him to die alone on the road.
When they reached the site where they were to be burned, they were kept tied together for seven days while the executioners prepared the wood for the fire.
On June 3, 1886, the Feast of the Ascension, Charles Lwanga was separated from the others and burned at the stake in Namugongo, Uganda. The executioners slowly burnt his feet until only the charred remained. Still alive, they promised him that they would let him go if he renounced his faith. He refused saying, “You are burning me, but it is as if you are pouring water over my body.” He then continued to pray silently as they set him on fire. Just before the flames reached his heart, he looked up and said in a loud voice, “Katonda! – My God!,” and died.
Charles Lwanga’s Companions
His companions were all burned together the same day all the while praying and singing hymns until they died.
Below is a list of Charle’s companions were also entered martyrdom:
• Achileo Kiwanuka
• Adolofu Mukasa Ludigo
• Ambrosio Kibuuka
• Anatoli Kiriggwajjo
• Anderea Kaggwa
• Antanansio Bazzekuketta
• Bruno Sserunkuuma
• Denis Ssebuggwawo
• Gonzaga Gonza
• Gyavire
• James Buzabaliao
• John Maria Muzeyi
• Joseph Mukasa
• Kizito
• Lukka Baanabakintu
• Matiya Mulumba
• Mbaga Tuzinde
• Mugagga
• Mukasa Kiriwawanvu
• Nowa Mawaggali
• Ponsiano Ngondwe
Born: January 1, 1860 in Bulimu, Buganda, Uganda
Died: June 3, 1886 in Namugongo, Uganda
Beatified: June 6, 1920 by Pope Benedict XV
Canonized: October 18, 1964 by Pope Paul VI
Feast Day: June 3
Patron Saint: African Catholic Youth Action, Catholic Youth, Converts, Torture Victims
Source:
Reflection
St. Charles Lwanga and his companions were young men who served in the court of King Mwanga II of Buganda, in present-day Uganda. The king, who was hostile to the growing influence of Christianity in his kingdom, began persecuting Christians, particularly those who refused to renounce their faith or engage in immoral acts that went against Christian teaching. Charles, a catechist and leader among the Christian converts, was a shining example of someone who held firm to his convictions, despite knowing the dangers.
While we may not face of torture and death like St. Charles Lwanga and his companions did, how can you examine today your own willingness to live out your faith with integrity, regardless of the consequences?
Prayers
Saint Charles Lwanga and His Companions,
You all were brave witnesses to the faith in the face of persecution, choosing to endure suffering and death rather than renounce your love for Christ.
Intercede for us that we may grow in our faith and that we may have the strength to endure our own trials with the same trust and love that you showed.
Pray for all those who suffer for their beliefs that they may find comfort in the love of Christ and the support of the Christian community.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.
St Charles Lwanga and His Companions, Martyrs of Uganda, Pray for us! Amen.
Saint Links
Aleteia – Who was St. Charles Lwanga?
Catholic Exchange – St. Charles Lwanga and Companions
Catholic Fire – St. Charles Lwanga and Companions
Catholic Ireland – Jun 4 -Charles Lwanga and the Uganda Martyrs
Catholic News Agency – St. Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs of Uganda Feast Day: Jun 03
Catholic Online – St. Charles Lwanga and Companions
My Catholic Life – Saints Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs
Newman Ministries – Saint Charles Lwanga
Saint of the Day – June 03 St. Charles Lwanga and Companions
uCatholic – Saint Charles Lwanga and The Ugandan Martyrs
Video Link
St. Charles Lwanga & Companions – YouTube Video (Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network – USA)