St. Charles Lwanga and Companions
The Martyrs of Courageous Faith
"In unity, we find strength in Christ."
Saint Facts
- Origin:
- Uganda
- Gender:
- Male
- Vocation:
- Laity
- Birth:
- Unknown
- Feast Day:
- Jun 3
- Death:
- Unknown
Saint Details
St. Charles Lwanga and his companions were a group of Christian martyrs from the Buganda Kingdom in modern-day Uganda. Born around 1860, Charles Lwanga served as a page in King Mwanga II's court. He converted to Christianity, influenced by the White Fathers missionaries, and was baptized by Father Giraud on November 15, 1885. Lwanga became a leader among the Christian community, protecting and educating his fellow pages in the faith. He even secretly baptized some of them. King Mwanga II, initially tolerant of Christianity, turned hostile as he saw it as a threat to his authority. In 1886, Mwanga ordered the execution of the Christian pages, including Charles, who was burned at the stake on June 3, 1886. This event, along with the martyrdom of his companions, had a profound impact on the Christian community in Uganda, leading to significant growth in the faith. Charles Lwanga and his companions were beatified in 1920 and canonized by Pope Paul VI on October 18, 1964. They are celebrated on June 3rd, marking Charles' martyrdom, and are recognized as the first martyrs of Sub-Saharan Africa. Their legacy is honored at the Basilica of the Uganda Martyrs in Namugongo, where they were martyred.
Associated Holy Sites
Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine Basilica, Namugongo
Naalya-Namugongo Rd, Kampala, Uganda
Uganda Martyr's museum
9MW8+6JR, Naalya-Namugongo Rd, Kampala, Uganda
Details for: Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine Basilica, Namugongo
The Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine Basilica in Namugongo is a significant pilgrimage site honoring the 22 Catholic martyrs who were executed for their faith between 1885 and 1887 under the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II, the king of Buganda. These martyrs, including Saint Charles Lwanga and his companions, were canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1964, making them the first saints of modern Africa. The shrine is built on the site where many of these martyrs were killed, and it serves as a powerful symbol of faith and sacrifice. Pilgrims from across Africa and the world visit the basilica, especially on June 3rd, the feast day of the Uganda Martyrs, to commemorate their courage and devotion. The basilicas unique architecture, shaped like a traditional African hut, and its serene surroundings make it a place of prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the martyrs and their impact on the Catholic faith in Uganda and beyond.
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