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Baroque portrait of Sebastian
FEAST · JANUARY 20

SEBASTIAN

Patron of athletes, soldiers, archers, endurance, plague.

Saint Sebastian was a Roman soldier and martyr of the third century. According to tradition, he served as a captain in the Praetorian Guard under the emperors Diocletian and Maximian. While performing his military duties, he secretly provided encouragement and strength to Christians who were imprisoned for their faith. When his own Christian belief was discovered, he was condemned to death. He was tied to a stake and shot with arrows, but he survived this initial execution attempt. He was later clubbed to death after publicly confronting the emperor about his persecution of Christians. Sebastian is venerated as a model of courage and resilience, demonstrating how faith can be lived with fortitude even in the midst of great trial. For Catholics today, he remains a powerful intercessor for those facing physical or spiritual battles, reminding the faithful that endurance is rooted in divine grace. He is the patron saint of athletes, soldiers, and those suffering from the plague.
A PRAYER TO SEBASTIAN

O God, who grant us the example and intercession of your martyr Saint Sebastian, we ask for his prayers on our behalf. Grant us a share of the courage and perseverance he showed in his earthly life. Strengthen us in our own trials, whether of body, mind, or spirit, and help us to endure all difficulties with patient faith. Through his prayers, may we be protected from harm and grow in our love for you. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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