JUNE 3D, FERIA

Month in honor of the Most Sacred Heart OLJC.

In the Roman Martyrology today—

Saint Charles Lwanga was a Ugandan convert to Catholicism martyred on June 3, 1886, for protecting young pages from the king's sexual demands and refusing to renounce his faith. Baptized on November 15, 1885, by Pere Giraud, he began to share his faith with others. Under King Mwanga II, Christians faced persecution for opposing the king's immoral demands, particularly his sexual advances towards young boys. He is revered alongside 22 companions, martyrs executed between 1885 and 1887 under King Mwanga II of Buganda. Under King Mwanga II, Christians faced persecution for opposing the king's immoral demands, particularly his sexual advances towards young boys. Lwanga protected his fellow pages, encouraging them to remain faithful to their Christian beliefs.

On June 3, 1886, after refusing to renounce their faith, Lwanga and his companions were executed. Lwanga was burned at the stake, reportedly saying, "It is as if you are pouring water on me. Please repent and become a Christian like me." Lwanga and his companions were canonized by Pope Paul VI on October 18, 1964.