Saint Charles Lwanga and his companions were a group of 22 Ugandan martyrs who were executed between 1885 and 1887 for their Christian faith under the orders of King Mwanga II. Charles Lwanga, a catechist and the leader of the group, is recognized for his courage in protecting the young men of the royal court from the king’s immoral demands, and for his steadfast refusal to renounce his faith. The martyrs were burned alive or executed for their refusal to abandon Christianity. They were canonized in 1964 by Pope Paul VI. Their feast day, June 3, honours their heroic witness to Christ.
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has decreed that this is a Holy Day of Memorial to be observed in Canada.