Before we talk about the devotions, a little insight into his life. Little we know is that St. Sebastian was an early Christian martyr during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. According to Tradition, Sebastian enlisted in the Roman army so he could gain access to persecuted Christians and care for them in secret. When authorities discovered his Christian identity, they brought him before the Roman emperor Diocletia who sentenced him to death. Sebastian was tied to a post and shot with arrows, yet he miraculously survived. When St. Irene came to bury him, she found him alive, so she brought him home and restored him to health. Because he was shot by arrows and left for dead, and then later beaten to death, Sebastian is sometimes referred to as the saint who was martyred twice. The Pope built a church where they discovered St. Sebastian’s relics, and a trend emerged for centuries after his death, people sought his intercession for protection against plagues as well as the athletes prayed to him. Besides saints Peter and Paul, Sebastian is considered the third patron saint of the city of Rome. He is also the patron of Rio de Janeiro and several other cities in various countries. Most importantly He is our patron saint.
Key Devotional Practices that are followed: Novena Prayers: The nine-day Novena to St. Sebastian, which focuses on courage, perseverance in faith, and healing, is recited during times of illness or in preparation for the feast day. Prayer to St. Sebastian: Special Prayers are recited emphasizing his role as a “soldier of Christ” asking for the fortitude to remain faithful to our faith in difficult and trying circumstances.
Feast Day Celebrations: Celebrated annually on January 20, but in our Church and a few other places it is celebrated on the first day of Carnival that is the carnival Sunday with special masses, processions, accompanied by the offering of candles, flowers, medals, or Holy pictures Litany of St. Sebastian: A formal, responsive prayer used to honour the saint; virtues and asking for his intercession is recited on all novena days Important Assistance that are invoked for:
- Protection from Plague/Disease: Historically, St. Sebastian is invoked against plagues and contagious diseases.
- Courage and Faith: He is a model of endurance, having survived being shot with arrows martyrdom
- Patron of Athletes: Athletes pray to him for strength and to aim high; in their efforts. Their prayer St. Sebastian, patron saint of athletes and sports, help me to do the best that I can, aim high and always give it my best effort, and if I should fail, give me the strength to try harder. Amen.”
- Protection for Animals/Fields: Prayers are often said for the protection of livestock and crops.
This old prayer associated with St. Sebastian reflects his patronage of those facing plague and disease.
“O St. Sebastian, guard and defend me, morning and evening, every minute of every hour, while I am still of sound mind; and, Martyr, diminish the strength of that vile illness called an epidemic which is threatening me. Protect and keep me and all my friends from this plague. O martyr Sebastian! Be with us always, and by your merits keep us safe and sound and protect from plague. Commend us to the Trinity and to the Virgin Mary, so that when we die we may have our reward to behold God in the company of martyrs. Amen”
This should be our fervent prayer to Our Patron Saint St. Sebastian especially these days as we are under the threat of the Nipah virus and rest assured no harm will come our way.
Gladys Da Silva