The Martyrs of Uganda

Today the Church remembers all of those who gave their lives in 1886 and 1887 in Uganda because of their faith in Jesus Christ.  Twenty-three (23) Anglican and twenty-two (22) Roman Catholic converts to Christianity in the historical kingdom of Buganda, now part of Uganda, were executed between November 1885 and January 1887.  They were killed on orders of Mwanga II, the King of Buganda.

 

James Kiefer writes: “These martyrdoms totally changed the dynamic of Christian growth in Uganda. Introduced by a handful of Anglican and Roman missionaries after 1877, the Christian faith had been preached only to the immediate members of the court, by order of King Mutesa. His successor, Mwanga, became increasingly angry as he realized that the first converts put loyalty to Christ above the traditional loyalty to the king. Martyrdoms began in 1885. Mwanga first forbade anyone to go near a Christian mission on pain of death, but finding himself unable to cool the ardor of the converts, resolved to wipe out Christianity.”

 

Let us pray:  O God, by whose providence the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church: Grant that we who remember before you the blessed martyrs of Uganda, may, like them, be steadfast in our faith in Jesus Christ, to whom they gave obedience, even unto death, and by their sacrifice brought forth a plentiful harvest; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 

CALENDAR REMINDERS

 

Every Wednesday, the Healing Arts Ministry with Lee Runion starting at 11:00 AM with a light lunch provided.

 

The Seaside Seniors meet every third Thursday of the month in Sutton Hall at 1100 AM.

 

The Adult Christian Education series continues: “The Resurrection: Now What?”  We have explored how the Bible came to be and now we will explore the Patristic period and the Nicene Creed.  Come join us at 11:00 AM on Sunday mornings.

 

Gospel by the Sea is 14 June at 6 PM at Greater St. Matthew’s Baptist Church, 6333 Highway 6, Hitchcock, Texas 77563.

 

 

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List and especially Pat, Patricia, Julie for her quick recovery, and all of those who are serving in the Armed Forces.

 

 Your servant in Christ,

 

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church

Galveston, Texas 77550