Sebastian, believed to be born in Narbonne, Gaul, embarked on a military career in the Roman army around 283 AD in Rome. He became an emblem of steadfast faith, bolstering the resolve of Marcellian and Marcus, who faced execution for their beliefs.

Sebastian’s influence led to numerous conversions, notably the master of the rolls, Nicostratus, responsible for prisoners, and his wife, Zoe, whom Sebastian miraculously cured of her deaf-muteness. The list of converts also includes the jailer Claudius, the Prefect of Rome Chromatius, whom Sebastian healed from gout, and Chromatius’ son, Tiburtius. Chromatius, moved by Sebastian’s faith and healing powers, released the prisoners, emancipated his slaves, and renounced his position as prefect.

Despite serving under Emperors Diocletian and Maximian, Sebastian’s Christian faith remained a secret until his allegiance was uncovered during Maximian’s persecution of Christians. This revelation led to his execution order. Sebastian miraculously survived an execution by arrows but was later discovered and ultimately beaten to death by the Emperor’s decree after he confronted and condemned the Emperor for his treatment of Christians.

Sebastian’s legacy endured, with early veneration in Milan during St. Ambrose’s time. His final resting place is on the Appian Way. Renowned as the patron saint of archers, athletes, and soldiers, Sebastian is invoked for his unwavering spirit and physical resilience. His remarkable ability to endure hardship and his zealous commitment to spreading and defending the Christian faith earned him the patronage of athletes. Sebastian’s military career was marked by a covert mission to support Christians, maintaining the faith of many like Marcus and Marcellian until their martyrdom. His reputation as a healer of various diseases also made him the patron saint of those suffering from plagues.

Editorial credit: travelview / Shutterstock.com
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24 COMMENTS

  2. Dear St. Sebastian i request you to pray to God for my family specially for my brother and for my sisters please may God give them wisdom and may he always be with them.Please pray for my job which is new and i just joined it please help me that i will do my job with the guidance of Lord Jesus Christ.Amen

  5. I pray for the souls of my daughter Natalie Suzanne, my parents Rene and Jennie and for all the souls of my dearly departed family and friends. I pray for an end to child abuse, may God, Jesus, Mary and all the saints and angels protect all the innocent children of the world and bring an end to all child abuse. I pray for all the children in my family to be protected and healthy and keep on the right track in their lives.I pray for my grandson Sebastian to be healed of his brain damage. Please send all the healing angels to him and touch him so he may be healed. I pray that all petitions asked for today be answered. I ask all this in name of my Saviour Jesus Christ and His Blessed Mother Mary. Amen

    • I too had a brain infection with brain damage and The Lord and The Blessed Mother healed me, I will pray with you, may The Holy Family be with you..

  7. ST. SEBASTIAN NEED HELP TO DRIVE THE EVIL FROM MY HOME. I HAVE NI NFAMILY HERE AND DONT WANT TO BE HURT BY OTHERS LIVING HERE. ALSO PRAY FOR THE SUFFERING SOULS IN PURGATORY AND ALSO FOR THE LIVING, MY SISTER, JOIHN. B. JOSHUA AS WELL AS DEPARTED FREINDS AND FAMILY SUCH AS LARRY FAUST, JOHN REED BUCKLEY AND JOSH DAVIS. I NEED TO RESTOR MY EYESIGHT AND HEARING AD CURE MY CANCER AND SEEK DEVINE INTERVENTION. AND NEED TO MAKE WISE DECISIONS AND NOT BE PUT IN A HOME. NEED FUNDS TO SURVIVE ON MY OWN.

  8. I have also read that he is the patron saint of the LGBTQ population. Praise God! The church should be supporting to the entire community. We are all made in God’s image and likeness. God is infallible! There is a divine purpose for diversity.

    • Be assured that following the faith is to love all of Gods children. It also means helping and teaching others to obey his commandments. Love all sinners, hate all their sins. Repentance is a blessing and all sacraments confer graces that help us to overcome temptations.

  9. Oh st sabastian pray 4 me 4 i am a sinner who has defiled de faith of my religion in many ways to be granted de favour to merit heven, and to live in his vainyard under priest hood till i die amen.

  15. St Sebastian Please pray for the cure of my brothers Stanley, Clifford, Sharon and Brinelle. My husband, and every member in my family who are going through some trail times in their life. Amen.

  16. Prayer for Saint Sebastian

    Dear Commander at the
    Roman Emperor’s court,
    you chose to be also a soldier
    of Christ and dared to spread
    faith in the King’s of King’s,
    for which you were condemned to die.
    Your body, however proved
    athletically strong and the
    executing arrows extremely
    weak, so another means to
    kill you was chosen and you
    gave your life to the Lord.
    May athletes be always as strong in
    their faith as you so clearly
    have been.

    Amen.

  17. St. Sebastian, pray for my daughter Kayla, she is going back to college today an it is her final semester. She has been truly blessed with her experience at school. Playing her final season as a student/athlete. Intercede for her with Jesus to have a wonderful and safe semester. Help her also to protect her Goal. ❤️🙏

  19. St, Sebastian is a great example, but only God and Jesus have power. they give people power. you cant pray to st. sebastian only to God through Jesus.

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