St. Sebastian

+1 437 452 3308 info@allsaintstories.com

Donate Now

Saint Details

St. Sebastian was a Roman soldier and Christian martyr known for his unwavering faith. He survived being shot with arrows and was later executed for his beliefs, becoming a powerful symbol of courage under persecution.

St. Sebastian, born around 256 AD, is one of the most revered Christian saints, particularly known for his endurance under persecution and his association with protection during times of plague. He served as a captain in the Roman army under Emperors Diocletian and Maximian, during a time when Christians were actively persecuted across the empire. Despite his position, Sebastian was a secret Christian and used his role to support imprisoned believers, convert others to Christianity, and provide comfort and resources to persecuted Christians.

His acts of kindness and evangelism eventually drew attention. When Emperor Diocletian discovered Sebastian's faith and influence, he ordered that he be executed. Tied to a tree, he was shot with numerous arrows by his fellow soldiers. Left for dead, Sebastian miraculously survived and was nursed back to health by a Christian woman named Irene. This miraculous recovery became one of the central elements of his legend.

After recovering, Sebastian boldly returned to confront Emperor Diocletian, criticizing him for his brutal treatment of Christians. Enraged, the emperor ordered Sebastian to be beaten to death—a command that was successfully carried out. His body was later recovered by fellow Christians and buried in the catacombs beneath Rome, at a site that would later become the Basilica of San Sebastiano fuori le mura.

St. Sebastian’s veneration began early in the Christian tradition. He became particularly significant during the Middle Ages, when many people prayed to him for protection from the plague. His association with arrows—symbols of divine punishment in medieval thought—also made him a symbolic intercessor against epidemic disease. Throughout the centuries, churches and shrines were erected in his honor, and he became a protector-saint for cities stricken with plague.

Artists of the Renaissance and Baroque periods often depicted Sebastian as a youthful, nearly nude figure pierced with arrows, which became one of the most iconic representations in Christian art. Paintings by Andrea Mantegna, El Greco, and Peter Paul Rubens celebrated both his physical suffering and spiritual resolve. His portrayal as a beautiful, suffering male figure also gained significance in modern culture, particularly within LGBTQ+ interpretations of martyrdom, identity, and endurance.

Though many details of his life are shaped by legend rather than historical documentation, St. Sebastian’s spiritual legacy endures. He remains a powerful symbol of faith under fire, the strength to survive hardship, and the grace of intercession during times of illness. His feast day on January 20 is marked by religious processions and prayers in Catholic communities around the world.

Feast Day

20-1-

Birth Date

--256 AD

Died Date

20-1-288 AD

Canonised Date

--Pre-congregation

Rome, Italy

"St. Sebastian, pray for us to remain strong in our faith, especially in times of persecution. Help us to endure with courage and love for Christ. Amen."
ST. SEBASTIAN

Video Not Found

ST. SEBASTIAN

The information on this website is compiled from various trusted sources. While we aim for accuracy, some details may be incomplete or contain discrepancies.

If you notice any errors or have additional information about this saint, please use the form on the left to share your suggestions. Your input helps us improve and maintain reliable content for everyone.

All submissions are reviewed carefully, and your personal details will remain confidential. Thank you for contributing to the accuracy and value of this resource.

Credits & Acknowledgments

Anudina Visudhar (Malayalam) – Life of Saints for Everyday
by Msgr. Thomas Moothedan, M.A., D.D.
Saint Companions for Each Day
by A. J. M. Mausolfe & J. K. Mausolfe
US Catholic (Faith in Real Life) – Informational articles
Wikipedia – General reference content and images
Anastpaul.com – Saint images and reflections
Pravachaka Sabdam (Malayalam) – Saint-related content and insights

We sincerely thank these authors and platforms for their valuable contributions. If we have unintentionally missed any attribution, please notify us, and we will make the correction promptly.