2 Maccabees 7:1–2, 9–14 / Psalm 123 (124) / Romans 8:8–17 / John 12:24–26
Dear friends in Christ,
As we know, the story of faith and inspiration of the Holy Uganda Martyrs has been told many times since their heroic act in 1885-1886 at Namugongo. It shall continue to be told and shared forever in our homes and families, in the Christian communities and Churches and all over the world, because it is a living example of the power of God and the greatness of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ that he first preached 2,000 years ago.
In the face of utmost cruelty and innumerable temptations, 45 young Christians, 22 Catholics and 23 Protestants in the court of the Buganda King, and two young catechists in Acholi heartland stood with confidence and courage and laid down their lives for Christ rather than denying the Christian faith they had only recently embraced. They died by fire, torture, spears, and beheading, yet with joy in their hearts for they belonged to Christ through baptism.
Today, 3rd June 2026, we continue to celebrate them after these many years because their mission like that of Christ is still alive in us.
They chose Christ over fear or death since they were offered a choice to deny Christ and live. But like the woman in the Second Book of Maccabees, Charles Lwanga their leader encouraged them to stand firm in the faith. He told them, “if we die for Christ, we will live with him”. Similarly in the Gospel reading of today, these Uganda young men who became martyrs had everything to lose like: position, employment, families, friends and youthful life. They had seen that Jesus was worth more than everything else the world could offer them. Indeed they gained everything in Jesus.
The Ugandan Martyrs proved it clearly that there is nothing which could separate them from Christ their Saviour as we heard in today’s second reading. They were convinced that Christ won over death and that he would be their victory over torture and death. Indeed their trust in God proved that fire could burn their body but not their faith.
We can also learn from them to uphold purity and integrity in our corrupt world. They died defending chastity and innocence. The King demanded immoral acts from them but Lwanga and his companions refused to give in, they did not compromise their morality, faith and trust in God. They remind us all that holiness is not for the religious only, but it’s a call for all the people of God. We can practice purity, integrity and holiness in our today’s world that calls evil good and good evil. Like the Holy Martyrs of Uganda, we can say these words, “we belong to Christ, and our bodies are the Temple of the Holy Spirit. We can shun together homosexuality, bestiality among other evils in our world today.”
Pope Paul VI on his visit to Uganda called them a sign of purity in the midst of corruption. Today we need that same witness. Purity is not outdated. Its freedom shows that our life is not ours, but belongs to Christ.
Lastly the celebration calls us to live fraternal love with each other. To encourage each other in our daily struggles. The Holy Martyrs of Uganda encouraged each other on their way to Namugongo. They prayed, sung and strengthened one another. Faith is not lived in isolation. The church is a family. We are called to bear and share with our suffering brothers and sisters in the world. Victims of war, violence, injustices, family violence, etc. Let us remain strong in our faith. It is in sharing with others that we witness that Christ is alive in our hearts, in the church and in the world.
Friends, let us pray through the intercession of our Holy Martyrs of Uganda to have courage to live in Christ and if need be to die for Christ. AMEN.
By: Mathias Zigihika, M.Afr.
