Saint Sebastian
FEAST: 20th January
Patron: soldiers, archers, policemen and athletics
Saint Sebastian is a Martyr and patron saint of many types. The categories of people many of us may know, or have part of our close family. Maybe not so much archers for most, but we all know or have husbands/boyfriends/sons/brothers who are athletic, work in the police force or are soldiers of some sort.
Saint Sebastian, was a martyr for the faith. He was initially a soldier, then an officer in the Roman army, and it wasn’t til later that he converted to Christianity. Being a Christian and full of faith, he refused to sacrifice to the gods. For his faith and strength in God, he was shot with arrows and then clubbed to death.
Saint Sebastian, although living a relatively short life (as most Saints do), was a Saint of courage and faith in Christ.
The first time I asked for the intersession of Saint Sebastian was when my then boyfriend (now husband) had a really tough footy match. Even though I couldn’t really care less whether they won or lost. I just didn’t want him hurt with a broken arm, leg, neck injury etc. So I just “googled” patron Saint of football, and Saint Sebastian was who I ended up finding! You may also find him a useful Saint to prayer to for your loved ones.
Originally posted 2014-01-21 08:42:42.