Blesseds Daudi Okelo and Jildo Irwa

(d. 1918)

Their story

+ Daudi (born in 1902) and Jildo (born in 1906) were members of the Acholi people of northern Uganda and were born into pagan families.

+ Educated by the Comboni Missionaries in Kitgum, the young men were baptized in 1916.

+ In 1917, Daudi became a catechist in the village of Paimol and Jildo served as his assistant. They were especially dedicated to serving the village’s poor residents.

+ In October 1918, a decision by the district commission incited a group of raiders and Muslim extremists to attack the Christian catechists. Daudi and Jildo were brutally murdered during the weekend of October 18-20.

+ The place where they were killed came to be known as Wi-Polo, meaning “in heaven.” Blessed Daudi and Blessed Jildo were beatified in 2002.

For reflection

“As gold in the furnace, the Lord put his chosen to the test; as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself; and in due time they will be honored, and grace and peace will be with the elect of God.”—Wisdom 3:6-7, 9

Prayer

May the prayer of the blessed Martyrs Daudi and Jildo, being pleasing to you, O Lord, commend us, we pray, and confirm us in the profession of your truth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from The Roman Missal: Common of Martyrs—For Several Martyrs)

Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.