St. Sebastian
Feast day: January 19
According to legend, Sebastian was born in Gaul and educated in Milan. Sebastian served as an officer in the imperial guard under Diocletian. He made converts of officials and jailers, and urged Christian prisoners to stay strong in their faith. He distinguished himself and for his excellent service, he was promoted to serve in the Praetorian Guard. When it was discovered that he was a Christian, he was sentenced to death. Sebastian was tied to a tree, shot with arrows, and left for dead. The arrows failed to kill him, and he was healed by Irene, widow of the martyr St. Castulus. Later, he denounced the emperor for his cruelty to Christians, and the emperor had him beaten to death. Sebastian is patron of archers, athletes, and soldiers.
Collect
Grant us, we pray, O Lord, a spirit of fortitude,
so that, taught by the glorious example
of your Martyr Saint Sebastian,
we may learn to obey you rather than men.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.