CrucisSt. Gonzaga Gonza
St. Gonzaga Gonza was one of the Martyrs of Uganda, a young man of the court of King Mwanga II of Buganda who embraced the Catholic faith taught by the White Fathers missionaries and remained steadfast when profession of Christ was made a crime punishable by death.
When the king condemned the Christian pages in 1886, Gonzaga was among those led out toward the place of execution at Namugongo. Weakened by his bonds, he was killed along the way, speared to death at Lubawo on 27 May 1886 rather than reaching the great pyre with his companions. He died refusing to renounce his faith. Canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1964, he is celebrated among the Uganda Martyrs on 3 June.
Selected quotes
“The soul that fears God need fear no king or torment.”
“Offer your life to God, and what seems lost is gathered safely into his hands.”
“Be faithful in the duties given you, and faithful unto death when the test comes.”