About the patron

St. Sebastian Saint Sebastian was born in Narbonne, France, in a wealthy Roman family. Educated in Milan, he became an officer in the Imperial Roman army, and captain of the guard. He soon became a favorite of Diocletian.During Diocletian’s persecution of the Christians, Sebastian secretly visited them in prison, bringing supplies and comfort to them.   Sebastian made numerous converts, among them were Nicostratus, who was in charge of prisoners, and his wife, Zoe, a deaf mute whom he cured, the jailer Claudius, Chromatius, Prefect of Rome, and Chromatius’ son, Tiburtius. Chromatius set the prisoners free and resigned as prefect. The king discovered his actions and St. Sebastian was charged as a Christian, tied to a tree, shot with arrows, and left for dead. With the help of Irene, a devout woman, he survived, recovered, and returned to preach to Diocletian. The emperor then had him beaten to death. He was buried in the catacombs beneath Rome and later his remains were moved to the Basilica Apostolorum, in Rome, built by Pope Damasus I in 367.

He is the patron saint of archers, athletes, and soldiers, and is appealed to for protection against plagues. The feast of Saint Sebastian is celebrated on 20th January.