Saint Sebastian

Saint Sebastian was born around AD 255, traditionally said to have come from Milan, and as a young man he entered military service in Rome. Though he rose to become a captain of the Praetorian Guard under the emperors Diocletian and Maximian, he quietly lived as a Christian, strengthening believers and encouraging those imprisoned for the faith. Tradition remembers him as a courageous witness who helped bring others to Christ, even converting families and officials who had opposed the Church. When his faith was discovered during the Diocletianic persecution, Sebastian was condemned to die by arrows, bound to a stake and left for dead. Yet God spared his life, and Irene of Rome found him and nursed him back to health. Instead of fleeing, Sebastian returned to confront the emperor about his cruelty toward Christians. For this bold confession he was beaten to death and buried by the faithful near the catacombs in Rome. He is venerated as a patron of athletes, archers, and those seeking protection from plague. His feast day is January 20.