June 3 Commemorations: The Martyrs of Uganda, d. 1886; John XXIII, Bishop of Rome, Renewer of the Church, d. June 4, 1963

Tuesday, June 3

Commemorations

The Martyrs of Uganda, d. 1886

John XXIII, Bishop of Rome, Renewer of the Church, d. June 4, 1963

Reflection

The chief executioner ordered, “Light it at every point.” One of the survivors wrote, “The flames blazed up like a burning house and, as they rose, I heard coming from the pyre the murmur of the Christians’ voices as they died invoking God.” Some seven years after Christian missionaries had arrived in Uganda, 100 Christians were brutally murdered, refusing to renounce their faith. On June 3, 32 men and boys, aged 13 to 30, were burned in an enormous pyre. The example of so many martyrs going to their deaths singing and praying so inspired the people that many others became Christians.

A Pope who would change the face of the Roman Catholic Church across the globe was born into a family of farmers in 1881. Even as a seminary professor, he never lost sight of the social conditions of the working classes. Almost 77 years old, he was elected Pope in 1958, astonishing the Church with his energy and reforming spirit. He called together the Second Vatican Council (the First was in the 16^th Century!), with the aim to renew the life of the church, which included translating the Latin Mass into the language of the people. He was canonized last month in Rome.

Prayer

Lord God, Thank you for those who dedicate their lives to your glory and the renewal of your people. Inspire us by their love for you, so that we, too, might go to the end of our days lifting our voices in prayer and praise. In Jesus’ name. Amen.