Patron Saints

Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions

In the royal court of 1880s Uganda, Charles Lwanga and twenty-one other young African men served under the increasingly volatile rule of their King. During their time at court, they encountered French Catholic missionaries who introduced them to the Christian faith. Deeply moved by these teachings, the young courtiers were baptized and instructed by the priests, committing themselves to a strict new moral code.

This newfound faith quickly put them at odds with the monarchy. When the King demanded the young men participate in homosexual acts within his court, they stood united in their refusal. Enraged by their steadfast defiance and allegiance to their religious principles, the King unleashed a brutal persecution, ordering the executions of both the French missionaries and his young Catholic attendants.

Charles Lwanga was the first to face the King's wrath, suffering martyrdom by being burned alive. His bravery set a powerful precedent for his peers, who followed him to their own deaths enduring various horrific methods of torture. In the chaotic aftermath of the massacre, the remains of only two men could be positively identified: Charles Lwanga and Mathias Malumba.

The profound sacrifice of these twenty-two men was formally recognized when they were canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1964. Today, the Ugandan Martyrs remain enduring symbols of moral conviction. Their legacy specifically resonates with members of the Courage apostolate, providing a historical model of resilience and inspiring them in their own pursuits of chastity and holiness.

Courage celebrates the feast day of these martyrs every year on June 3.

Saint Augustine and Saint Monica

Since the apostolate's founding, our members have leaned on this mother-son duo for support and comfort in their earthly struggles. St. Augustine and St. Monica are a natural fit for our mission, as both ultimately dedicated their lives to the Lord - Augustine by turning to God after a life of sexual sin, and Monica by persistently praying for her son's conversion and surrendering him to God.

For members of Courage, St. Augustine's profound struggle with sexual impurity is immensely relatable, even if he did not experience same-sex attraction himself. Augustine realized that he could not rely on willpower alone; he became convinced of the truth, goodness, and beauty of chastity, recognizing his absolute need for God's grace. Many members find great comfort in knowing that God worked so powerfully through a man who spent years entrenched in sin. Even after his profound conversion, Augustine continued to face temptations, yet he relentlessly strove for the interior chastity to which all people are called. This deep connection to Augustine's spiritual journey also inspired Courage's founder, Fr. John Harvey, OSFS, who drew heavily from Augustine's Confessions for his doctoral dissertation and private spiritual direction.

Similarly, St. Monica serves as a powerful model for EnCourage parents. Watching her son trapped in sin, she never lost hope, dedicating her life to praying for his sincere conversion. She achieved deeper sanctity by setting aside her own timeline and willingly becoming an instrument of God in Augustine's life. Only when she surrendered her desires completely to God did He answer her prayers - and in a way that far exceeded her hopes. Augustine not only abandoned his sinful past but became a great saint and a Doctor of the Church. Today, St. Monica remains an enduring example of persistent, trusting prayer for loved ones who have gone astray.

Saint Mary Magdalene

The women of Courage have chosen St. Mary Magdalene as their unifying patron. While many members adopt individual patrons to combat isolation, St. Mary Magdalene specifically connects and strengthens the women as sisters in Christ.

She was chosen not for a specific association with same-sex attraction, but for her profound relationship with Jesus. By standing at the foot of the cross and being among the first to witness His resurrection, she models the steadfast desire to seek Christ for healing and mercy that all members strive to imitate.