“Denounce Christianity or die”
Today 03 June, the Catholic Church (particularly in Uganda) celebrates the feast of St. Charles Lwanga and Companions, the martyrs of Uganda, East Africa. St. Charles Lwanga is singled out because of his leading role as a catechist and animator of the martyrs. He even baptized some of them. In addition to traditional 22 Martyrs of Uganda, God gave us more 2 Catechists from Paimol (Gulu Archdiocese): Blessed Daudi Okelo and Blessed Gildo Irwa. The 24 martyrs lived lives much like our own, but had to make a choice that most of us will never face.
The 22 Catholics who Kabaka Mwanga II killed for their faith were beatified on 6th June 1920, by Pope Benedict XV, and on 18th October 1964, in the presence of Bishops from all over the world who had gathered in Rome for the Second Vatican Council, Pope Paul VI canonized them. They are: Charles Lwanga, Joseph Mukasa Balikuddembe, Matthias Kalemba, Luke Banabakintu, Noe Mawagali, Andrew Kaggwa, James Buzabaliawo, Pontian Ngondwe, Bruno Serunkuma, Anatole Kirigwajjo, Athanasius Bazzekuketta, Adolphus Mukasa Ludigo, Gonzaga Gonza, Achilles Kiwanuka, Ambrose Kibuka, Mukasa Kiriwawanvu, Mbaga Tuzinde, Gyavira Musoke, Mugaga Lubowa, Kizito, Denis Ssebuggwawo and Jean-Marie Muzeyi. The 2 Blessed Catechist of Paimol were beatified by Pope John Paul II on 20th October, 2002.
In the Catholic Church, we venerate the Martyrs for their heroism in professing and witnessing their faith and their intercessional role to us.
HAPPY FEAST DAY TO YOU FRIENDS IN CHRIST (KEEP PRAYING EVEN IN LOCK DOWN). THE UGANDA MARTYRS ARE INTERCEDING FOR US.
