Honouring courage and faith: Uganda Martyrs Day celebrated in Rome

On Saturday, Ugandan residents in Italy gathered at the Generalate of the Missionaries of Africa in Rome to commemorate Uganda Martyrs Day, observed annually on 3 June. The main celebrant was Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson. Cardinal Turkson is currently the Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.

Sr Stella Watsema – Vatican City.

The vibrant Eucharistic celebration was attended by numerous Ugandan priests and religious women studying and working in Rome. Representatives from various African embassies in Italy, the Holy See and the UN Agencies based in Rome (FAO, WFP, and IFAD) were also in attendance.

Faith and conviction

In his homily, Cardinal Turkson urged the congregation to reaffirm their lives in Jesus Christ with the same conviction that motivated the Uganda Martyrs to sacrifice everything for their faith. He made reference to the three brothers from the Book of Maccabees, highlighting their unwavering courage and faith. In the Scripture reading, the brothers refused to accept the king’s demands, defending their identity and traditions even unto death.

Commitment to vocation

Cardinal Turkson was the main celebrant

The Vatican prelate also emphasised that Christ lives in all the faithful today, conforming them in faith. All followers of Christ are called to mirror the Martyrs’ unwavering commitment.

The story of the Uganda Martyrs, Cardinal Turkson said, exemplifies the fact that all baptised persons are called to a life of dedication and commitment—whether to their faith, spouses, or religious vocation.