3 June 2022
Memorial of Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs
Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Charles Lwanga and over twenty other young Ugandan men who were martyred for their faith between 1885–87. These were the protomartyrs of the Church in Uganda, the Christians who became seeds of wheat that fell into the ground, died, and have since borne much fruit. In my own life, I have seen a glimpse of that fruit in several men whom I lived with in community who are members of Brothers of St. Charles Lwanga, or Bannakaroli, a religious order based in Uganda. Each of the brothers I knew was a man of prayer, kindness, and humility.
Today’s Gospel offers food for reflection in light of these martyrs’ feast. Near the end of his conversation with Simon Peter on the seashore, Jesus alludes to his future martyrdom, and then concludes with the command, “Follow me.” The Lord makes clear to Peter what is in store for him, and despite his previous failings, Peter does indeed follow. Charles Lwanga and his companions doubtless experienced a moment of realization somewhere along their journey, when they understood that the Lord was calling them to follow in the footsteps of Peter and others in shedding their blood to glorify God. They too remained faithful, as Peter did, and their faithfulness has worked wonders for the Church in Uganda. In our prayer and work today, then, we can reflect on the faithfulness of the martyrs, taking courage and inspiration from them and knowing that if we also remain faithful, even in seemingly small matters, that fidelity will also bear fruit.