ST. GONZAGA GONZA PROFILE – UGANDA MARTYRS

ST. GONZAGA GONZA NGONZABATO

Gonzaga was a Musoga of the family of Zibondo of Bulamogi. He was captured by Kasoma Bu lusi who treated him as his own son. Gonzaga behaved well and was obedient, trustworthy, in-telligent and hardworking. When King Muteesa I wanted good boys for his service, Gonzaga was selected for the job at the age of twelve. Gonzaga was a zealous and pious Catholic. One of the prin cesses fell in love with Namulabira whom Gonza-ga had converted to Catholicism. Namulabira was not interested. In revenge, the princess falsely ac-cused him of falling in love with Nankya, one of the King’s wives. Namulabira was put into prison. Gonzaga offered to be imprisoned in his place, which was permitted. Gonzaga was arrested at Munyonyo and spent the night in chains. The ex-ecutioners failed to remove them. But Gonzaga was determined to drag the chains fastening his bleeding legs to Namugongo.

On the way he col-lapsed and was speared to death by Mukaajanga and died on May 27, 1886 at the age of twenty-four.

Gonzaga is the Patron of prisoners, travel-lers, the ill-treated and those in trouble.