Saint Sebastian is a very popular patron saint as he is the patron saint of Athletes and Soldiers. Due to his unwaiving commitment to Christ and the courageous way he faced his martyrdom, he serves as an example of true love of God. He is usually depicted standing in front of a tree with an arrow pierced through him.
History of Saint Sebastian
A soldier of the imperial army from Narbonne (Gaul) or Milan (according to St. Ambrose), he was martyred for the Faith at Rome during the reign of the Emperor Diocletian. His Burial place at the Cemetary - ad Catacumbas - along the old Appian Way is distinguished by a continuous cult down the centuries.
The Roman liturgy has always accorder him a privileged place. Iconography depicts him as a martyr, pierced by arrows. He is invoked for healing from both physical and spiritual wounds.
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.
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Saint Sebastian Guidance PrayerO 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.
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