Prayers to Saint Sebastian

Saint Sebastian, pray for us!

Saint Sebastian (c. AD 256 – 288) was an early Christian saint and martyr. According to traditional belief, he was killed during the Roman emperor Diocletian's persecution of Christians, initially being tied to a post or tree and shot with arrows, though this did not kill him. 

He was, according to tradition, rescued and healed by Saint Irene of Rome, which became a popular subject in 17th-century painting. In all versions of the story, shortly after his recovery he went to Diocletian to warn him about his sins, and as a result was clubbed to death.

He is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church (feast January 20) and the Orthodox Church (feast December 18).

Saint Sebastian is a very popular patron saint as he is the patron saint of Athletes and Soldiers. Due to his unwaiving commitment to Christ and the courageous way he faced his martyrdom, he serves as an example of true love of God. He is usually depicted standing in front of a tree with an arrow pierced through him.

Prayer for Saint Sebastian

"Dear Commander at the

Roman Emperor's court, 

you chose to be also a soldier

of Christ and dared to spread

faith in the King's of King's,

for which you were condemned to die.

Your body, however proved

athletically strong and the

executing arrows extremely

weak, so another means to

kill you was chosen and you

gave your life to the Lord.

May us be always as strong in

their faith as you so clearly

have been.

Amen!"

Saint Sebastian Guidance Prayer

"O Lord, grant us the spirit of fortitude,

so that guided by the example of the martyr St. Sebastian,

we may learn to bear witness to the Christian Faith

and patiently support the sufferings of life.

Through Christ Our Lord. 

Amen!"

Powerful Prayer to St. Sebastian

"Glorious St Sebastian, you, who enjoy God’s favour, what a splendid example you gave to us by your life of prayer, sacrifice, suffering and martyrdom. St Sebastian, friend and helper of farmers, who did so often avert illnesses and pestilences by your intercession, you are also a powerful helper in the battles against sin, lukewarmness, loose morals and human respect.

We now beseech you with childlike confidence, O St Sebastian, our holy heavenly friend. Make us strong and joyful in faith, give us perseverance, obtain for us to be humble and content in living a simple, orderly life that is pleasing in the sight of the Almighty. 

Protect us from sin, from obvious and from secret vices and passions. Shield us from being quarrelsome and from drinking excessively, from being immoderate and from sloth, from jealousy, hard-heartedness, superstition and any kind of dishonesty. Bless livestock, life, livelihoods, forests, pastures and the entire countryside. 

Intercede, we entreat you, for thriving growth and against pestilences and illnesses. Strengthen us in our service for God, our fellow men and our country and, by your prayers, lead us all into our eternal country. 

Amen!"