Sebastian, Centurion, Martyr
[20 January]


Acording to legend, Sebastian was born in Narbonne. He was an officer in the Roman army and was in Rome in about 284. He became a Christian and evangelist, even converting the Prefect of Rome and his son Tiburtius. He was a contemporary and co-worker with Polycarp the presbyter. Eventually, he was led before Emperor Diocletian who ordered his death by arrows. Sebastian survived that and went before the emperor to ask that he stop persecuting the Church. Diocletian then had him bludgeoned to death.

Almighty God, whose servant Sebastian, an officer of the Roman Army, did work faithfully in thy vineyard unto persecution and death for his faith; Grant that we might, following the example of Sebastian, seek the conversion of our neighbors by sharing the Good News; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Order of CenturionsAug 2005 | Reviewed 10:58 PM 1/22/2014

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