π Life Timeline
1867
Born in 1867 AD, Buganda, Uganda
1875
Mwanga II of Buganda
1885
en Mwanga began persecuting Christian converts in 1885, Lwanga counseled the young Christian pages to remain faithful
1886
two monthsβbeaten, burned, and starved
1964
frican Christian witness
1887
Died β June 3, 1887 AD, Uganda (burned)
1964
Canonized β 1964 by Pope Paul VI
β Biography
Born c.1833 in Kibulakololo, Buganda (Uganda). Became a page, then chief courtier to King Mwanga II of Buganda. Converted to Christianity c.1875. When Mwanga began persecuting Christian converts in 1885, Lwanga counseled the young Christian pages to remain faithful. He was arrested and tortured for two monthsβbeaten, burned, and starved. On Jun 3, 1886, he and 21 other Christian pages and catechists were tied to stakes and slowly burned alive. Lwanga was the last to die, as the others were killed first. He reportedly said: 'If you do not burn us, we shall still be martyrs.' The Martyrs of Uganda became symbols of African Christian witness. Lwanga was beatified in 1964, canonized in 1964 by Paul VI. First African-born saint of the modern era. Patron of Uganda and African youth.
π‘ Patronage
Patron of: Africa, young people, those resisting abuse, scouts, and those facing persecution for their faith.
π¬ Words of the Saint
I am a Christian and I cannot deny my faith.
π Key Facts
Born
c. 1867, Kibulakololo, Buganda, Uganda
Died
June 3, 1887 AD, Uganda (burned)
Feast Day
Jun 3
Canonized
1964 by Pope Paul VI
π Legacy
The Uganda Martyrs are the most famous African saints. Their feast day (June 3) is a public holiday in Uganda. Lwanga is the patron of Africa and a model of youthful courage.
π Personal Writings
Read excerpts from the saint's own words β their personal letters, spiritual writings, and teachings.
π Testimony
On Purity and Martyrdom
I will not sin against God. I will not violate my vow of chastity. I am ready to die rather than sin. Death is better than sin, suffering is better than compromise, martyrdom is better than apostasy. I am a Christian, and I will remain a Christian unto death.
β St. Charles Lwanga