The White Fathers started missionary work among the native tribes of the Upper Nile region in 1878, and the first baptisms took place on Easter Saturday the following year. Some of these men had been converted from Islam to Protestantism before becoming Catholics. On King Mutesa's death, his wicked son Mwanga, who engaged in pedophilic behavior with the younger pages, inherited the throne. King Mwanga executed Joseph Mukasa, his chief page, on November 15, 1885, for criticizing the execution of a visiting Anglican Bishop and for going to great lengths to shield the younger boys from the king's lustful desires.
After Joseph's death, Charles Lwanga, who was 25 years old and committed to educating young boys in the faith, was appointed chief page. Charles also helped the children to retain their purity and to cling to their faith. With their stiff resistance to the immoral demands of the vicious King, Mwanga began the persecution of the rapidly spreading Catholic faith in 1886.
The Church today venerates the 22 Ugandan boys and young men ranging in age from 13 to 30 years, for the courage, reminiscent of the early Christians, with which they endured the most cruel tortures for their faith. Thirteen of the Martyrs were burned, and the rest met death through various other ordeals. These were the first Ugandans to be beatified in 1920. Besides these, some 80 others were killed in this persecution. As St Augustine says, "The martyrs were bound, imprisoned, scourged, racked, burnt, rent, butchered, and they multiplied." Pope Paul VI canonized the Ugandan martyrs on October 18, 1964.
St. Charles and companions intercede for us, obtain for us the grace to entrust ourselves to Jesus in times of persecution for our faith.
Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,
Most High Servant,
Jesus, Mary, Joseph Ministry of Love (Blessed and Saints and the Nine Choirs of Angels)
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