Saint Sebastian

Feast Day: January 20

Birth and Early Life: There is not much historical evidence about Saint Sebastian's early life. He is believed to have been born in Narbonne, Gaul (modern-day France), and grew up in Milan, Italy.

Military Service: Sebastian joined the Roman army around 283 AD, reportedly to assist persecuted Christians. He served under Emperor Carinus and later under Diocletian.

Christian Faith: Despite his military status, Sebastian was a devout Christian. He used his position to comfort and strengthen Christians who were being persecuted, and he converted many to Christianity.

Discovery and Martyrdom: Eventually, his faith was discovered. According to tradition, Diocletian ordered him to be tied to a stake and shot with arrows. Miraculously, he survived this ordeal, only to be beaten to death later after he openly criticized Diocletian for his treatment of Christians.

Death and Veneration: He died as a martyr around 288 AD. His body was recovered and buried on the Appian Way, near the present Basilica of St. Sebastian.

Patronages:

Athletes and Soldiers: He is most commonly known as the patron saint of athletes and soldiers, likely due to his physical endurance and military background.

Plague Protection: He is also invoked for protection against plagues, as his martyrdom was remembered during times of widespread disease.

Archers and Pin-makers: Given the manner of his attempted execution, archers and pin-makers also regard him as their patron.

Prayer to St Sebastian:

"O Lord, we remember today Saint Sebastian, a faithful servant and martyr. Through his intercession, grant us the courage to stand firm in our faith and the strength to endure the challenges of life. May his exemplary devotion inspire us to live our lives in service to You and to others, especially in times of difficulty and trial. Saint Sebastian, pray for us. Amen."

Reflections:

Reflecting on the life of Saint Sebastian encourages resilience and faithfulness in the face of adversity. His story reminds us that true strength often lies not in physical power, but in the courage of one's convictions and the willingness to endure suffering for a greater cause. As we navigate the challenges of our own lives, may we find inspiration in his unwavering commitment to his faith and his compassionate assistance to those in need.

Great was his love for Christ and his fellow Christian that Sebastian risk his life to be with them and minister to them.  He did not only encourage them to remain firm in their faith.  But he too lived and died remaining firm to his faith and defending it till the end.

Saint Lucy also known as Saint Lucia or Santa Lucia of Syracuse

Feast Day: December 13

Saint Lucy or Santa Lucia's name is derived from Lux/Lucis which means
"light" and she is also the patron saint of the blind and those with eye
problems.

Lucy was a young, wealthy Christian lady of Syracuse, Sicily.  Her mother
singly took care of her as she lost her father when she was still an
infant. As she grew older, her mother urged Lucy to marry a young pagan
gentleman.  Her mother didn't know then that Lucy has already chosen to
live single for the Lord and has consecrated her life  to the service of
Christ.  Her mother continued to press Lucy to marry but she refused. When
her mother was afflicted with sickness and for four years suffered from it.

 Lucy persuaded her mother to go to Catania where the tomb of Saint Agatha
(patroness of Catania) was already a site of pilgrimage to ask for her
intercession.  It was here that Lucy disclosed her desire to devote herself
to God and convinced her mother that the dowry be spent on alms so that she
might retain her virginity.

Healed by the divine power, Lucy's mother, Eutychia, relented and allowed
Lucy to pursue her pious inclinations.

The young gentleman, however, did not take this kindly and in his rage
denounced her as a Christian to the governor of Syracuse.

Saint Lucy died a Christian martyr during the Diocletian persecution.

The relics of Saint Lucy were venerated in a church dedicated to her in
Venice until 1961 when it was demolished and transferred to the church of
San Geremia.

Patronage:

Saint Lucy is the patron saint of the blind and those with eye trouble, reflecting the legend that her eyes were gouged out either by her persecutors or as an act of sacrifice. She is also the patron saint of Syracuse, and her protection is invoked against throat infections and epidemics.

Prayer to Saint Lucy:

"O God, our Creator and Redeemer, mercifully hear our prayers that as we venerate Thy servant, Saint Lucy, for the light of faith thou didst bestow upon her, Thou wouldst vouchsafe to increase and preserve this same light in our souls, that we may be able to avoid evil, to do good and to abhor nothing so much as the blindness and the darkness of evil and of sin. Through Christ our Lord. Amen."

Reflection:

*During Diocletian's reign, many Christians suffered much torture and painful death for their faith.  St. Lucy was one of those who stood up with courage in defense of the faith.  At an early age, she committed her life fully to God, she chose to stay single and committed her life to God until she died.  May we also impart to the little kids the same faith and trust that Saint Lucy demonstrated.  We may live and die for Christ who is the way, the truth and the life.

*The story of Saint Lucy inspires the faithful to remain steadfast in their beliefs, even in the face of adversity. Her dedication to her faith, even to the point of death, serves as a reminder of the power of conviction and the strength of the human spirit. Her association with light, both literal and metaphorical, encourages us to seek spiritual enlightenment and to be a guiding light in the lives of others. Her life is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the impact one individual can have on the world.