Saint Sebastian

January 20th, we celebrate the feast of Saint Sebastian (died 288 AD), Roman soldier and martyr of the early church, who was killed during the Diocletianic persecution of Christians and venerated in the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church.

He was killed during the Roman emperor Diocletian’s persecution of Christians. He is commonly depicted in art and literature tied to a post or tree and shot with arrows. Devotion to him spread rapidly, and he is mentioned in several martyrologies as early as 350.

He was born into nobility and joined the Imperial Roman army. He moved through the ranks of the army and quickly became a captain of the guard and an Imperial officer. St. Sebastian spent most of his time ministering and converting countless prisoners of the Roman Army. He was a gifted healer with the Sign of the Cross and converted soldiers as well as the governor of Rome.

While serving as a Praetorian Guard, Marcus and Marcellian, twin brothers, were imprisoned for refusing to make public sacrifices to the Roman gods. The brothers were deacons of the Christian Church. During their imprisonment, their parents visited them to implore them to renounce Christianity. However, St. Sebastian convinced both parents to convert to Christianity. St. Sebastian also converted several other prominent individuals, including the local prefect.

Saint Sebastian was discovered to be a Christian when he converted the Roman governor Chromatius who proceeded to resign from his post and freed 16 converts from prison upon conversion. Emperor Diocletian came to the conclusion that Saint Sebastian was a Christian and ordered him tied to a stake and shot to death by arrows in a field. Saint Sebastian endured the arrows and was soon to die until St. Irene of Rome found him and nursed him back to health.

He marched up to Diocletian and preached to him. Upon preaching to Diocletian, St. Sebastian was ordered to be martyred again. And this time he was to be beaten to death and then tossed into the sewers. He was buried on the Appian Way, close to the catacombs that bear his name.

St. Sebastian is the patron saint of soldiers, athletes, and those who desire a saintly death. He was widely venerated during the Middle Ages, particularly as a protector against the plague.

Prayer to Unite Our Sufferings With Those of Jesus

Oh my loving Jesus, my heart suffers and longs to be consumed by Your Sacred Heart that was pierced by the soldier’s sword.

As I contemplate the mystery of Your Cross, and Your five holy wounds, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary I unite all of my misery with Yours, now and forever, knowing that your Holy Passion will sanctify my suffering. I offer it up for the conversion of all of the poor sinners here on earth, for the release of the poor souls in purgatory, and for the holiness of all priests, all religious, and all families. Amen

Saint Sebastian, pray for us.