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What he said
Pope Paul VI, on his African tour in 1969, said in reference to Charles Lwanga and his companions, "Being a Christian is a fine thing but not always an easy one."
What the world was like
Charles Lwanga grew up in Uganda, Africa. During his childhood years, traders from Egypt and other countries arrived in Uganda, threatening the way of life for the people who lived there. Because of this, new industries, such as weaving, were developed. The United Kingdom sent missionaries to Africa to teach about Jesus, about agriculture, and about manufacturing.
When Charles Lwanga was born, the American Civil War had just ended and President Abraham Lincoln had just been assassinated. The first transcontinental railroad was built across the United States. In England, the Football Association for the game of soccer was established.
Skyscrapers were built for the first time using steel. The telephone was invented by Alexander Graham Bell. Thomas Edison invented the light bulb and the phonograph.
Who he was
When Charles Lwanga was a child, the people of Africa had never heard about Jesus. When Charles was a boy, some priests came to his village to teach the people about the Christian faith. Charles became a Christian. The king of Uganda did not understand what Christianity was all about. He became afraid that his people would start to worship Jesus instead of him. The king also became very angry because a Christian told him that he was not living his life as Jesus would want him to. This king was very greedy, selfish, and evil.
Charles went to work for the king. He was considered the strongest athlete and the most handsome man in the kingdom. He was placed in charge of the young men who also served the king. Charles was a wonderful leader. He taught these young men about the Christian faith. Each day he encouraged and inspired these boys and even protected them from the evil acts of the king.
The king became very angry when he discovered that Charles and his friends were studying about Jesus and demanded that they stop. When they refused, the king had them put to death. Charles and twenty-two young men from Uganda were all killed because they would not give up their faith in Jesus.
What this saint means to us today
Saint Charles Lwanga taught others about Jesus. He stood up to and protected his friends from the evil king. Even when faced with death, he would not stop loving Jesus.
Like Saint Charles Lwanga, we can share our faith with others. We can also be courageous and stand up for what is right.
Intermediate Activity
Primary Activity
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