Janani Luwum
Born: c. 1922
Died: February 17, 1977
Feast: February 16 (public holiday in Uganda); February 17 (Anglican calendars)
Patron saint of: N/A
A convert to Christianity in 1940s Uganda, Janani Luwum quickly became an enthusiast for the faith, focusing on evangelization and catechesis. He was ordained in the Anglican Church, and in his zeal for living a life that glorifies God, he drew negative attention from Ugandan authorities in his alleged “disturbance of the peace.” When he became Anglican Archbishop of the region which included his native Uganda, Luwum became a major critical voice against the Amin regime in the 1970s, specifically protesting the disappearances and murders of those who dissented. This led to Luwum’s arrest for “treason” and subsequent murder along with cabinet ministers who had also drawn the ire of the military governor. Luwum knew that the military regime would kill him, but he felt strongly that he had a responsibility to speak out against the injustices the people of Uganda faced. Luwum is remembered as a martyr by the Anglican Church, and celebrated as one who was unafraid to challenge others to change their ways and live more closely aligned to the gospel.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
