St. Charles Lwanga and Companions

Twenty-two young Ugandan pages who chose death by fire rather than submit to the king's sexual demands.

The story

Charles Lwanga, chief of the royal pages, protected the boys under him from King Mwanga's abuse and baptized them in secret. When the king demanded that the Christians renounce their faith, they refused. On Ascension Thursday 1886 they were marched to Namugongo, wrapped in reeds, and burned alive, praying and singing. The youngest, Kizito, was fourteen.

What Charles teaches

Purity and faith are worth dying for. The blood of these martyrs made Uganda one of the most Catholic nations on earth.

Patronage

African youth, converts, Uganda.

Prayer

St. Charles Lwanga and companions, pray for the young people of Africa and the world, that they may have your courage and purity. Amen.