Hundreds celebrate Martyrs Day in Boston

A procession of church leaders as they enter the St. Mary’s Catholic church in Waltham to officially kick off the 2011 Ugandan Martyrs Day celebrations in Boston on Sunday, June 12. Pic by H.Maina, Ajabu Media

By Eva M. Nabawanuka and Harrison Maina Ajabu Africa News, posted June 17, 2011

Updated 6/29/11 : Correction:Iin our original story, we indicated that the main guest at the 2011 Ugandan Martyrs day in Boston was retired.Indeed, the Bishio of the Diocese of Kabaale in Uganda, The Right. Rev. Callist Rubaramira is still serving in that said capacity.
Ajabu Africa would like to take this opportunity to correct that oversight. We apologize for any inconvininces caused.

WALTHAM, Mass_Hundreds upon hundreds of both Ugandans and friends flocked the St. Mary’s church of Waltham on Sunday June 12 th to celebrate the death of the martyrs who decided to die courageously in defense of their newly found faith in Jesus Christ rather than obey the worldly King in Uganda over a century ago.

The Uganda Martyrs were a goup of Christian converts (both Roman Catholics and Anglicans) who were murdered by  Kabaka Mwanga II, the King of Buganda, between 1885 and 1887.

Led by Saint Charles (Carl) Lwanga and his companions, the martyrs had been new Christians for only 5 years when they were forced to make a choice between obeying the worldly King who demanded hem to renounce their faith in Jesus Christ.  

Marking their deaths, folks here in Boston Massachusetts, begun their 2011 celebration at 1.00 pm with the Mugundo drums followed by a procession from the lower church and then the mass.

  Hailing the faith and courage displayed by Uganda Martyrs as they were led to the gallows in the name of faith , the Bishop of the Diocese of Kabaale, Right. Rev. Callist Rubaramira said that the Martyrs have made a massive contribution to the world of faith showing people how to invoke the Holy Spirit in absolute faith no matter what the circumstances may present.

“It is interesting that these Martyrs were  singing and praying as they were led to their execution place and by standers were shocked, inspiring some of  them to convert  into Christians as well”, said the Bishop

The Bishop of the Diocese of Kabaale in Uganda, Right. Rev. Callist Rubaramira during the Liturgy at the St. Mary's Catholic church marking the 2011 Martyrs Day in Boston

“Charles Lwanga was praying for the executioner himself to get converted”, he added to the church, packed to capacity.

  As a result of the sacrifices by the martyrs, Bishop Rubaramira asked worshippers to recommit themselves to go out and spread the good news of Jesus Christ as fearlessly as the martyrs did.

 “Let us invoke the Holy Spirit to come back again to each one of us so we can truly live and witness to the faith that he gave us”, urged the cleric as he ended his sermon.

After the spirit filled service, the celebrations continued with an evening reception at  the  Marriot Boston Hotel  in  the neighboring  city of Newton  where the Bishop of Kabaale  hailed the Catholic community in Boston for the oneness they showed at marking the celebration of the Uganda martyrs annually.

 “Am very grateful for all of you Ugandans and most especially Father Michael Nolan for availing the Ugandan community a parish and this manifests the brotherhood and togetherness to our people”, said the cleric.

He added that this is not because they are Ugandans but because they are children of God,” and pray that God’s kingdom to continue to be amongst you.”

The celebrations were also graced with the traditional performance of Boston New York. Ensemble, comedian Muvawala Charles, Youth of Uganda Catholic Community in Boston and Juliana Kanyomozi.
There was also  raffle tickets that were sold  which saw Sheri go away with $300, Michael Kisembo $150 and Nanyombi Justine $ 50.

Fusion of culture and religion: Ugandan traditional dancers precede the offertory during the martyr’s day Mass. in Waltham

Mildred Namuyanja was recognized as the outstanding member of the community and Margret Semujju.

Francis Xavier Sekawungu, Kalori Trudo, Edward Falious,Virginia Berry ,Jerry Magra,Caloline Namuzula,Meliro Medfrad all  received certificates of recognition.

The celebrations were also attended by faithful and different artists from out of state as well as from Uganda.

 “I am very pleased to be here today to celebrate this very important day in our lives. We honor the unique sacrifices and courage shows by the Uganda Martrs many years ago”, said Denis Katusiime, a Ugandan national who flew in from Kent University in Ohio for the annual event.

  “I am looking to celebrate the day for many years to come” added the committed Catholic during an interview with Ajabu Africa News.

                                                  Watch event pictures here below

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