Who Was St. Charles Lwanga? Interesting Facts About His Life

Charles Lwanga (1860–1886) was a Ugandan Catholic catechist born in the Kingdom of Buganda, modern-day Uganda. Here are some fascinating facts about his life:

Royal Court Service: Lwanga, a member of the Baganda tribe, served as a page and later major-domo (chief of the royal pages) in the court of King Mwanga II. His leadership and charisma earned him the reputation as "the most handsome man of the Kingdom of Uganda" and the strongest athlete in the court.

Recent Convert: Lwanga converted to Catholicism and was baptized on November 15, 1885, just months before his martyrdom. Despite his short time as a Christian, he became a moral and spiritual leader, instructing others in the faith.

Protector of the Vulnerable: As chief page, Lwanga protected younger boys from King Mwanga II’s immoral advances, teaching them the Catholic faith and encouraging chastity. His courage in standing against the king’s pedophilic demands was a key factor in his martyrdom.

First Sub-Saharan Martyrs: Charles Lwanga and his 21 companions are recognized as the first martyrs of Sub-Saharan Africa, canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1964 during the Second Vatican Council. Their sacrifice helped spread Christianity in Africa.

Legacy of Pilgrimage: The Basilica of the Uganda Martyrs at Namugongo, the site of their execution, attracts millions of pilgrims annually from across Africa, making it one of the largest Catholic gatherings in the world.

What Were the Last Words of St. Charles Lwanga?

As St. Charles Lwanga faced a brutal death by burning at the stake on June 3, 1886, he displayed remarkable faith and serenity. According to historical accounts, as the flames consumed him, he said to his executioner, “It is as if you are pouring water on me. Please repent and become a Christian like me.” Just before his death, he looked up and exclaimed, “Katonda! – My God!” These words reflect his unwavering trust in God and his desire to lead others to salvation, even in his final moments.

Why Is St. Charles Lwanga Called a Martyr?

St. Charles Lwanga and his companions are called martyrs because they willingly gave their lives for their Christian faith, refusing to renounce their beliefs despite facing torture and death. King Mwanga II, a ruler who despised Christianity, demanded that his court pages abandon their faith and submit to his immoral demands, including homosexual acts. Lwanga, as a catechist and leader, not only refused but also protected the younger pages from the king’s advances, encouraging them to remain faithful to Christ.

On May 25, 1886, Mwanga interrogated his court, separating Christians from others. When Lwanga and 15 others, aged 13 to 25, boldly declared their fidelity to Christianity, they were condemned to death. They endured a 37-mile march to Namugongo, where they were burned alive on June 3, 1886. Their refusal to compromise their faith, even under the threat of death, earned them the title of martyrs.

What Did St. Charles Lwanga Do to Become a Saint?

Charles Lwanga’s path to sainthood was marked by his extraordinary courage, leadership, and commitment to purity and faith.

Embraced and Spread Catholicism: After his baptism in 1885, Lwanga became a fervent catechist, teaching the Catholic faith to the royal pages and baptizing catechumens himself when danger loomed. On the night before his execution, he baptized four young boys, including 13-year-old Kizito, ensuring their entry into the Church.

Protected the Innocent: Lwanga shielded the young pages from King Mwanga’s sexual advances, fostering a culture of chastity and moral integrity. His efforts to protect the vulnerable were a direct challenge to the king’s corrupt authority.

Led with Courage: As chief page, Lwanga inspired his companions to remain steadfast, even as they faced imprisonment and execution. Their joyful acceptance of martyrdom, singing hymns and praising God, demonstrated their unshakable faith.

Canonization: Lwanga and his companions were beatified in 1920 by Pope Benedict XV and canonized in 1964 by Pope Paul VI, who praised their heroic witness. Their martyrdom was seen as a “seed of Christianity” that inspired the growth of the Church in Africa.

What Is the Patronage of St. Charles Lwanga?

St. Charles Lwanga is the patron saint of African Catholic Youth Action, Catholic youth, converts, and torture victims. In 1934, Pope Pius XI named him the patron of African Catholic youth, and Pope Pius XII later declared him the protector of African Catholic Action. His patronage reflects his role as a young leader who guided others in faith and resisted moral corruption. Additionally, he is considered a patron for those striving for purity, as he and his companions courageously refused King Mwanga’s unchaste demands.

St. Charles Lwanga and the Call to Purity in June

It is no coincidence that the feast of St. Charles Lwanga and Companions falls at the beginning of June, a month often associated with cultural debates about sexuality and morality. Their steadfast refusal to participate in unchaste activities, even at the cost of their lives, serves as a powerful example for Catholics today. St. Charles Lwanga’s courage in protecting the young from sexual predation and his commitment to purity resonate deeply in a world grappling with issues of moral integrity and the protection of the vulnerable.

The Ugandan Martyrs remind us that faith requires sacrifice and that standing firm in virtue can inspire others. Their legacy challenges us to live with courage, defend the innocent, and uphold the teachings of Christ, especially when faced with societal pressures to compromise.

Why the Ugandan Martyrs’ Story Matters Today

The story of St. Charles Lwanga and his companions is a timeless call to faith, courage, and purity. Their martyrdom not only strengthened the Church in Africa but also serves as an inspiration for Catholics worldwide. As we celebrate their feast on June 3, we are reminded to:

• Stand Firm in Faith: Like the Ugandan Martyrs, we are called to remain steadfast in our beliefs, even in the face of opposition.

• Protect the Vulnerable: Lwanga’s defense of the young pages highlights the importance of safeguarding others from exploitation and harm.

• Embrace Purity: Their refusal to engage in immoral acts encourages us to pursue chastity and holiness in our daily lives.

Prayer to St. Charles Lwanga and Companions

Father, you have the blood of the martyrs the seed of Christians. May the witness of Saint Charles and his companions and their loyalty to Christ in the face of torture, inspire countless men and women to live in the Christian faith. Through Christ our Lord, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 

Bring home this beautiful laminated prayer card today!