What saint is celebrated on June 3? Learn about the history of San Carlos Lwanga

Each 3 of Junethe Catholic Church celebrates Saint Charles Lwanga and fellow martyrs.

What saint does the Catholic Church celebrate on June 3?

Saint Charles Lwanga and his companions were a group of 22 Christian martyrs in the Buganda Kingdom (current Uganda) between the years 1885 and 1887. These martyrs, who included both Catholics and Anglicans, died for their faith during persecution under the king Mwanga II.

Carlos Lwangaa young man converted to Christianity, stood out as a leader and catechist among his peers.

After King Mwanga began persecuting Christians for opposing his immoral desires and absolute power, Carlos Lwanga and other members of the king’s court were arrested, tortured and finally burned alive on June 3, 1886 in Namugongo.

His courage and firmness in faith have left a deep mark on the Church in Africa. In 1964, Pope Paul VI canonized Carlos Lwanga and his companions, recognizing them as martyrs and symbols of Christian resistance.

Where is the largest celebration held in honor of Saint Charles Lwanga and companions?

The largest celebration in honor of Saint Charles Lwanga and companions takes place in Namugongo, Uganda, where they were martyred. Every year on June 3, thousands of pilgrims from all over the world gather at the Uganda Martyrs Shrine to commemorate his sacrifice with solemn masses, processions and various religious activities.

Where in Mexico is the largest celebration held in honor of San Carlos Lwanga and companions?

In Mexico, although the devotion to Saint Charles Lwanga and his companions is not as well known as that of other saints, some Catholic communities, especially those with ties to the African Church, celebrate his feast day. These celebrations usually include special masses, readings about his life and martyrdom, and prayers for perseverance in the faith.

What is the most popular prayer to pray to Saint Charles Lwanga and companions?

“O God, who has made Saint Charles Lwanga and his companions strong in faith and brave in martyrdom,
We ask that, through his intercession,
grant us the grace to be firm in our faith
and brave in defending the truth.

May your example of love and fidelity
inspire us to live according to your will,
and may his sacrifice be a living testimony
of your love and mercy.

Saint Charles Lwanga and fellow martyrs,
Pray for us.

Amen.”

I have a degree in Journalism from the University of Guadalajara. In 2022, I became part of the DEBATE team as a reporter from Jalisco, where I report on the daily events of the state as well as its capital: Guadalajara. I carry out web reporting in Nayarit and other entities in the Bajío de México, in addition to communicating the weather forecast for the entire Mexican Republic, and mainly Jalisco. Culture has been in my life since I was little, because I like to write about cinema, art and getting to know the world through its traditions.

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