Saint Sebastian the Martyr

January 20th marks the day Saint Sebastian gave his life for his steadfast faith in Jesus Christ. He was the son of a nobleman from Gaul, born in Narbonne in the year 256, and raised in Milan by his mother.

He joined the Roman army in 269 and quickly proved himself to be an exceptional soldier, known for his loyalty, bravery, and intelligence. These qualities earned him the position of commander of the first cohort of the imperial Praetorian Guard under Emperor Diocletian, who was unaware that Sebastian was a Christian.

Though he fulfilled his military duties diligently, Sebastian refused to take part in the idolatrous rituals of Roman paganism. Instead, he devoted his time to strengthening the faith of his fellow Christians, visiting and helping those imprisoned for their beliefs. His actions did not go unnoticed, and eventually Emperor Maximian confronted him, demanding he renounce his faith under threat of death. Without hesitation, Sebastian declared his Christianity before the emperor.

Maximian was enraged and ordered that Sebastian be executed by archers. Although he was left for dead, Sebastian was rescued by his friends and nursed back to health by a Christian noblewoman named Irene. Despite warnings to flee, Sebastian chose to remain in Rome, boldly confronting Emperor Diocletian and urging him to abandon paganism.

Sebastian’s miraculous survival astonished the emperor, who then ordered his execution once more—this time by beating and clubbing. His body was thrown into a pit, but it was recovered by the faithful and buried with due honor on the Appian Way, in the catacomb that now bears his name. Saint Sebastian died in the year 288.

Every January 20th, his feast is celebrated in memory of his martyrdom. He is honored as a patron saint against plagues and the enemies of the faith. Throughout art history, he has been portrayed in various forms, with two of the most famous representations being Alonso Berruguete’s sculpture and El Greco’s painting The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian.