Seniors: IV-St. Sebastian
St. Sebastian
Feastday: January 20
Sebastian was born in Narbonne, Gaul, the son of a wealthy Roman family. Officer of the Imperial Roman army and captain of the guard. Favorite of Diocletian. During Diocletian's persecution of the Christians, Sebastian visited them in prison, bringing them supplies and some comfort. Sebastian reported to have healed by making the sign of the Cross over the wife of a brother soldier--supposedly an archer. He was responsible for the conversion of many soldiers and a governor. Charged as a Christian, Sebastian was tied to a tree, shot with arrows, and left for dead. He survived, recovered, and returned to preach to Diocletian. In a rage at his recovery the emperor then had him beaten to death some time in 288.
During the 14th century, the random nature of infection with the Black Death caused people to liken the plague to their villages being shot by an army of nature's archers. In desperation they prayed for the intercession of a saint associated with archery, and Saint Sebastian became associated with the plague.
His Feast Day is January 20.
PRAYER TO SAINT SEBASTIAN
Dear Commander at the Roman Emporer's court, you chose to be also a soldier of Christ and dared to spread faith in the King of Kings - for which you were condemned to die. Your body, however, proved athletically strong and teh executing arrows extremely weak. So another means to kill you was chosen and you gave your life to the Lord. May athletes be always as strong in their faith as their Patron Saint so clearly has been. Amen.
The Class of IV-St. Sebastian
S.Y. 2003-2004
Adviser:
Ms. Evelyn Juanites
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