When we reflect on the lives of the saints, we often find extraordinary parallels that transcend time and geography. Such is the case with St Sebastian, the famed Roman soldier and martyr, and St Lazarus Devasahayam Pillai, an Indian convert and the first layman from India to be canonized. Both men, though separated by centuries and continents, share remarkable similarities in their journeys of faith, their positions of influence, and the ultimate sacrifices they made for their unwavering belief in Jesus Christ.
Key Positions in Royal Kingdoms
St Sebastian served as a captain of the Praetorian Guard under Roman Emperor Diocletian. His position brought him close to the heart of imperial power, where he secretly encouraged and supported persecuted Christians. Similarly, St Lazarus Devasahayam Pillai, born Neelakanta Pillai, was an official in the court of the Maharaja of Travancore (in present-day Kerala, India). His conversion to Christianity and subsequent public witness brought him both honor and scrutiny in the royal court.
Persecution for Faith
Despite the prestige of their offices, both saints faced severe persecution due to their faith. St Sebastian was discovered to be a Christian, tied to a post, and shot with arrows. Miraculously surviving the ordeal, he continued to proclaim his faith until he was eventually clubbed to death. Devasahayam Pillai, after his conversion, was accused of treason and undermining the traditional caste order. He endured brutal torture, public humiliation, and, after years of suffering, was executed for refusing to renounce his Christian faith.
Martyrdom and Legacy
Both St Sebastian and St Lazarus Devasahayam Pillai are celebrated for their extraordinary courage and steadfastness. St Sebastian’s legacy endures as a powerful intercessor against plagues and is the patron of athletes, soldiers, and many Catholic churches in Kerala. His feast day is celebrated on January 20th with great devotion, especially in Kerala, where numerous parishes are dedicated to him.
St Lazarus Devasahayam Pillai, canonized in 2022, has been declared the patron saint of lay missionaries in India by the Catholic Church, a recognition of his profound witness among ordinary believers. His feast day is observed on January 14th. The St Devasahayam Church, located at Kottar in Tamil Nadu, is a prominent pilgrimage site, attracting thousands of devotees each year. He is also invoked as a patron for those facing persecution and for lay faithful striving to live out their Christian mission.
Conclusion
The stories of St Sebastian and St Lazarus Devasahayam Pillai remind us that faith can flourish in any era and circumstance. Their lives—marked by service, suffering, and ultimate sacrifice—continue to inspire millions. In terming St Lazarus Devasahayam as the “2nd St Sebastian,” we celebrate not only his individual legacy but also the universal call to courage and conviction in the face of trials.
May their examples strengthen us in our journey of faith and encourage us to stand firm, whatever challenges we face.
