- Charles was one of 22 Ugandan martyrs who converted from paganism. Though he was baptized the night before being put to death, he became a moral leader. He was the chief of the royal pages and was considered the strongest athlete of the court. He was also known as "the most handsome man of the Kingdom of the Uganda." He instructed his friends in the Catholic Faith and he personally baptized boy pages. He inspired and encouraged his companions to remain chaste and faithful. He protected his companions, ages 13-30, from the immoral acts and homosexual demands of the Babandan ruler, Mwanga. [Savior.Org]
Proponents of gay marriage will no doubt take vehement offense at this -- after all, not all those with homosexual orientations are pedophiles, nor are they prone to beheading and burning those who object to their lifestyle like King Mwanga. Perhaps the Congregation chose the date to remind readers of St. Charles' admonishment to youth that they remain chaste and faithful, but the thought did cross my mind: perhaps Voice of the Faithful can interpret this little footnote as a sign that the Vatican will come down hard on pedophiles within the clergy as well?
- You can read the history of St. Charles Lwanga and the Ugandan Martyrs at Catholic.Org.
- The Brothers of St. Charles of Lwanga is an independent Roman Catholic Order which was founded by the White Fathers in 1927 in the heart of Uganda to follow in the footsteps of the Uganda Martyrs. They follow the rule of St. Ignatius of Loyola and have a special devotion to the Martyrs, the Blessed Virgin Mary and to the most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
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