Saint Sebastian
Feast day: January 20
Martyr of the arrows, invoked against epidemics and as a model of fidelity to Christ.
Saint Sebastian was born in Narbonne, Gaul, around 256, and educated in Milan. An officer in Emperor Diocletian's Praetorian Guard, he converted to Christianity and used his position to strengthen fellow believers.
Tradition holds that he secretly aided imprisoned Christians and converted many soldiers, including the Roman officer Chromatius and his household.
When his faith was discovered, Diocletian ordered him tied to a tree and shot with arrows. Left for dead, he was rescued by Saint Irene, who nursed him back to health.
Recovered, he appeared again before the emperor to witness to his faith. This time he was beaten to death and thrown into the Cloaca Maxima in Rome.
The faithful recovered his body and buried it in the catacombs that bear his name. Devotion spread quickly throughout the Roman Empire.
He is invoked as protector against plague and epidemics. His liturgical feast is celebrated on January 20.
Dedicated prayer
To the martyr of the arrows, we ask protection against plague and illness, and strength in faith.
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