Charles Lwanga was a young Ugandan catechist who served as head of the royal pages at the court of King Mwanga II of Buganda. When the king turned violently against the Christians at his court, Charles protected and encouraged the younger pages, baptizing some himself. He was burned alive at Namugongo on June 3, 1886, with many companions, and was canonized with them by Pope Paul VI in 1964.
Charles Lwanga shows that faith can stay gentle and brave at the same time — he spent his last days shielding those younger and weaker than himself. He reminds us that love of God is proven in quiet acts of protection and courage, even when it costs everything.
Saint Charles Lwanga, brave protector of the young, pray for us — that our faith may be steady in trial and our love quick to shelter others. Amen.