Cardinal Turkson emphasized the youthful spirit of the martyrs, pointing out that Charles Lwanga and his companions were young adults who lived by gospel values.
The Vatican-based Cardinal noted that the example of the Ugandan Martyrs serves as a call for today's youth to reconnect with their faith.
On his part, the Apostolic Nuncio in Uganda, Archbishop Luigi Bianco described the Martyrs as “an extraordinary example of commitment and fidelity to the Lord, models of faith and hope, and authentic witnesses of truth and communion.”
Their testimony, Archbishop Luigi continued, “is a call to all to become beacons of hope and instruments of peace, as well as promoters and defenders of the God-given dignity of every human person."
Also speaking at the October 20 event, the Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kampala, Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala lauded the Martyrs as “Uganda's luminous heroes, models and mentors of the Catholic faith.”
He expressed profound gratitude to those who contributed to their canonization.
Bishop Joseph Antony Zziwa, Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC) spoke about the Martyrs' impact on the growth of faith in Uganda and worldwide.
“We recognize the significance of the Martyrs in the growth of faith in our country and the rest of the world. The Martyrs are a special contribution by Uganda to Christianity in general, and for this, we are grateful to the Almighty God,” the UEC President in his speech read by Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mbarara
He added, “The heroic act of the Martyrs challenges us to witness Christ in all situations, including those we may consider difficult.”
On his part, Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere of Kampala Archdiocese emphasized the Martyrs' bravery and devotion.
