Saint of the day for January 20: the story of San Sebastiano

(c. 256 - January 20, 287)

Almost nothing is historically certain of Sebastiano except that he was a Roman martyr, he was venerated in Milan already at the time of Sant'Ambrogio and was buried on the Via Appia, probably near the current Basilica of San Sebastiano. Devotion to him spread rapidly and he is mentioned in several martyrologists as early as 350.

The legend of San Sebastiano is important in art and there is a vast iconography. Scholars now agree that a pious fable has Sebastian joining the Roman army because only there he could assist the martyrs without arousing suspicion. Eventually he was discovered, brought before the Emperor Diocletian and handed over to Mauritanian archers to be killed. His body was pierced by arrows and he was considered dead. But he was found still alive by those who came to bury him. He recovered but refused to flee.

One day he took up position near where the emperor was to pass. He approached the emperor, denouncing him for his cruelty to Christians. This time the death sentence was carried out. Sebastian was beaten to death with clubs. He was buried on the Via Appia, near the catacombs that bear his name.

Reflection

The fact that many of the early saints made such an extraordinary impression on the Church - awakening widespread devotion and great praise from the greatest writers of the Church - is proof of the heroism of their lives. As has been said, the legends may not literally be true. Yet they can express the very substance of faith and courage evident in the lives of these heroes and heroines of Christ.

San Sebastiano is the patron saint of:

Atletes