During the tragic worldwide pandemic and the recent production of preventative vaccines it is most fitting to recognize St. Sebastian, who was declared Patron Saint of Plague Sufferers because of his reported cures of those afflicted with many diseases and because of his defense of the city of Rome against the plague in 680. The association can also be traced to the fact that he survived being shot full of arrows; in pagan belief pestilence was delivered by arrows shot by the gods. Sebastian is also patron saint of archers, athletes and soldiers.

Very little is known of Sebastian’s youth except that he may have come from Southern France and was educated in Milan. He joined the Roman army in 283 AD to support Christians who were being persecuted by the Romans. Having distinguished himself for his excellent service, he was promoted to the Praetorian Guard to protect Emperor Diocletian. During his service Sebastian converted several prominent individuals to Christianity, including the local Prefect.

Though this contemporary painting by Spanish artist Victor Mira implies that Sebastian died as a result of the ordeal depicted in this painting in which, in 286, by order of the Emperor Diocletian, Sebastian was tied to a stake and attacked by archers for being a Christian. Believed to be dead, he was rescued and nursed back to health by Irene of Rome, whose Christian husband, a servant of Emperor Diocletian, was also martyred.

Emily Ragsdale