On June 3, 1886, twenty-two young men were murdered for
their faith in the historical kingdom of Buganda, now modern day Uganda. Their leader, Charles Lwanga was thirty-six
years old. To call many of them men, however,
may be a misnomer – quite a few were teens.
The youngest, Kizito, was all of fourteen. Though missionaries had been invited to the
kingdom, it was soon apparent to the king that Christian faith meant a belief
that God’s laws trumped those of man.
This did not sit well with a monarch used to absolute sovereignty. When the young men refused his anti-Christian
demands and his calls to renounce their faith in Jesus Christ, he made an
example of them. They were arrested,
tortured and marched twenty miles to the site of their execution: Namugongo.
Charles Lwanga and his companions were canonized in 1964 and
a shrine was built at the site where they were burnt alive for their
faith. The altar itself marks the spot
of St. Charles’ death.
Spot of Martyrdom of St. Charles Lwanga |
Uganda Martyrs' Shrine |
Every year, on June 3, a great celebration is held at Namugongo to commemorate the Martyrs’ sacrifice. Just as the Martyrs marched to their deaths, the faithful from across Africa walk to the shrine; they come to bear witness to the great sacrifice made by their ancestors so that they, too, could have a share in the Christian faith. I was privileged to be present at the celebration in 2011. The joy-filled faith of over one million pilgrims brought together at the Lord’s Table is one that was unforgettable.
Bishop Charles Wamika of Jinja, Uganda |
by relics of the Martyrs.
The music, sung in English, Latin, and Luganda (among other Ugandan languages) was brilliant and moving! This year, we were treated to the addition of the Ugandan Catholic Community’s Youth group singers. As the Presentation of the Gifts was danced up the aisle by teens and presented to Bishop Charles by the children, the gifts were clear - the faith defended so many years ago in Uganda continues to bear fruit here in Boston. The Ugandan Catholic Community of Boston is passing on their rich and deep cultural heritage to the next generation while keeping the faith of the Martyrs ever present in their lives.
The lessons taught by missionaries lives on.
-Maureen Crowley Heil
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