St. Sebastian is the patron saint of athletes and soldiers, and he is also invoked for healing and protection in times of illness. A Roman soldier who kept his Christian faith in secret, he was shot with arrows for it, survived, and was finally martyred for confronting the emperor. People turn to him for the strength to stand firm, in sport, in service, and in suffering. His feast day is January 20.
Below are two traditional prayers to St. Sebastian, one especially loved by athletes and one asking for the gift of fortitude. If you'd like the full story of his life and martyrdom, see our guide on why St. Sebastian is the patron saint of athletes.
Who is St. Sebastian?
Born around 256 A.D. and raised in Milan, Sebastian served as a captain in the Praetorian Guard under the Emperor Diocletian, all while secretly a Christian. He was buried in the catacombs along the old Appian Way in Rome, and the Church has honored him without interruption ever since. In art he is almost always shown pierced with arrows, and he is invoked for healing from both physical and spiritual wounds.
Prayer to St. 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 of Kings, 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 always be as strong in their faith as you so clearly have been. Amen.
St. Sebastian Guidance Prayer
O Lord, grant us the spirit of fortitude, so that, guided by the example of the martyr St. Sebastian, we may learn to bear witness to the Christian faith and patiently support the sufferings of life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
A short invocation
Saint Sebastian, patron of athletes and soldiers, pray for us.
When to pray to St. Sebastian
These prayers fit naturally before a game, a race, or a competition, and they're just as fitting for a soldier or first responder heading into danger, or for anyone facing illness or injury. Many people keep a St. Sebastian medal or prayer card in a gym bag or pocket as a reminder to say a quick word to him. His feast on January 20 is a good day for a team blessing or a family prayer for the athlete in your life.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Feast of St. Sebastian?
January 20.
What is St. Sebastian the patron saint of?
Athletes, soldiers, and archers, and he is also invoked against plague and illness.
Why do athletes pray to St. Sebastian?
Because of his physical endurance and steadfast faith. Surviving execution by arrows made him a lasting symbol of strength under pressure.
St. Sebastian devotionals
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