Saint Who?
Saints Who Achieved Sanctity Young
Saint Joseph Mukasa Balikuddembe
Martyr († 1885) Feast: November 15
The Missionaries of Africa, a Catholic religious order, entered Uganda in 1879 along with other Christian missionaries. At the time, the king, Muteesa I of Buganda, was friendly to Christianity, and many Ugandans embraced the faith, including teenaged Joseph.
Joseph, a handsome, strong young man, had been serving as a page in the king’s court since he was fourteen years old. He accepted baptism at twenty-two and eventually became the head of the king’s household staff. When the Missionaries of Africa relocated away from the capital city in 1882, Joseph became the de facto leader of the Catholic community. He organized the catechumens and helped to keep the Catholic faith alive in the absence of priests.
But King Muteesa died in 1884, and his son, Mwanga II, succeeded him. Mwanga saw the Christians as a threat. Some say this was because of the influence of his prime minister, but Mwanga also molested many of the young boys who served as pages. When Mwanga ordered the execution of Anglican missionaries in Uganda, Joseph objected. He spent all night trying to change the king’s mind about his treatment of Christians and the faith. But Mwanga’s mind was made up, and Joseph was beheaded the next day.
Lord Jesus Christ, grant us the courage
to defend our faith and the safety of others.
