Saint Gonzague GONZA

Saint Gonzague GONZA

Nom: GONZA

Prénom: Gonzague

Pays: Ouganda

Naissance:

Mort: 27.05.1886 à Lubawo

Etat: Laïc - Martyr du Groupe des 22 martyrs de l’Ouganda 2

Note: Subit un long emprisonnement avant d’être exécuté.

Béatification: 06.06.1920 à Rome par Benoît XV

Canonisation: 18.10.1964 à Rome par Paul VI

Fête: 3 juin

Réf. dans l’Osservatore Romano:

Réf. dans la Documentation Catholique: 1964 col.1345-1352

Gonzaga was a Musoga. His father was Gonza of the family of Zibondo of Bulamogi, belonging to the Bush-back (Ngabi) clan. The mother is not known. Gonzaga first lived at Kigulu at Busambira village, but later migrated to Bulamoji where Gonzaga was born. He was captured by Kasoma Tegusaaga Bulusi who treated him as his own son. Gonzaga behaved very well. He was obedient, trustworthy, intelligent and hard working.

When king Muteesa 1 wanted boys for his service, Kasoma selected Gonzaga from among his sons for the job at the age of twelve. The boy worked in the palace’s private section of the enclosure under Joseph Mukasa who soon converted him to Catholicism.

Gonzaga was a zealous and pious Catholic. One of the princesses fell in love with Namulabira, who was a friend of Gonzaga, but he refused, in revenge when the princess falsely accused him of falling in love with Nakya, one of the King’s wives. Nankya and Gonzaga were severely punished and Namulabira thrown into prison.

Gonzaga begged Mabuzi, the prison manager to release Namulabira to resume his imprisonment. Gonzaga offered to go back home and prepare food for all the prisoners, for the food given to all the prisoners was little and not well prepared. Gonzaga was arrested at Munyonyo palace and spent a night at Mengo palace in chains. The executioner failed to remove them. But Gonzaga was determined to drag the chains fastened to his bleeding legs to Namugongo. On the way, he collapsed at Lubaawo junction and was speared to death by Mukajaanga, the chief executioner. On Thursday noon 27th may, 1886 at the age of 24.

Gonzaga is the patron of prisoners, travelers, ill-treated and those in trouble.