St. Sebastian

Patron Saint of Athletes, Archers and Soldiers

Saint Sebastian was born in Narbonne, Gaul around 270 A.D. He worked in the Roman army, but spent much of his life encouraging soldiers to stay true to their faith in Christ.   This was a difficult and dangerous choice, because during this era, people were persecuted for their Christianity.   Sebastian was renowned for his military skills and earned the rank of captain.  Sebastian also had the gift of curing the sick.

Unbeknownst to the emperor, Sebastian converted many people to Christianity and when the Emperor discovered that Sebastian was Christian, he commanded that Sebastian be executed. Sebastian was shot with arrows and left for dead.  A widow who came to recover his body found that Sebastian was still alive and nursed him back to health. Once well, Sebastian confronted the Emperor and denounced him for his cruelty to Christians.  Subsequently, Sebastian was beaten to death for standing up for his faith.

Saint Sebastian was venerated at Milan and buried on the Appian Way. He is the patron saint of athletes, archers and soldiers.  People appeal to St. Sebastian for protection against plagues.

He is patron saint of athletes because of his physical endurance and his energetic way of spreading and defending the Faith. Saint Sebastian is also patron to all soldiers. He was declared patron saint of plague sufferers because of his reported cures of those afflicted with many diseases.