Celebration of the day: Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs (+ 1885-1887)
There was a persecution of Christians out of hatred for religion in , under King Mwanga. was martyred with twelve companions on June 3, 1886; other were killed later. Some of the victims, almost a hundred in all, were very young or newly baptized.
Table of the Word
Acts 20:17–27
John 17:1–11a
Theme: Living out the faith.
Reflection
Today’s Gospel presents the beginning of Jesus’ “High Priestly Prayer” (cf. John 17) As He prepares for His Passion, Jesus turns to the Father with deep reverence, saying: “I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do.” These words, filled with purpose and surrender, speak volumes about the mission of the Christian: to glorify God by faithful witness, even in the face of suffering.
Paul’s farewell discourse mirrors this resolve, when he told the elders at Ephesus that he has not hesitated to proclaim the Gospel, even under the threat of persecution (cf. John 17:1–11a). “I served the Lord with all humility and with the tears and trials that came to me,” he says. Paul is aware that his path ahead may be marked with suffering, but he is undeterred. Like Christ, he embraces the mission, not shrinking from it.
This context finds profound resonance in the lives of St. Charles Lwanga and his companions, the Ugandan martyrs commemorated today. These men lived out the faith as depicted by today's central theme; they all lived out the faith in Christ by witnessing to the gospel values. Charles, just a young man himself, displayed courage and pastoral care, preparing his companions for martyrdom with strength and serenity.
Their witness reminds us that holiness and heroism are not confined to the distant past or to the lives of apostles alone. God raises up saints in every age and place. These young men, from the African soil, chose fidelity to Christ over fear, echoing both the courage of Paul and the prayer of Jesus who entrusts His followers to the Father’s care.
Finally, may the witness of Charles Lwanga and his companions inspire us to live boldly and faithfully, trusting in Jesus' prayer: “Holy Father, keep them in your name... so that they may be one just as we are.”
+ May the Lord bless His words in our hearts both now and forevermore. Amen
© The ARCHIVE 03062025
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