Who was St. Sebastian?
St. Sebastian was a courageous Christian martyr who lived in the 3rd century during the Roman Empire. Though he served as a soldier in the Roman army, he was secretly a Christian and used his position to comfort and strengthen fellow believers who were imprisoned and facing death for their faith.
When Emperor Diocletian discovered Sebastian’s faith, he ordered him to be executed by having him tied to a tree and shot with arrows. Miraculously, Sebastian survived. A Christian widow named Irene cared for his wounds and nursed him back to health.
Instead of hiding, Sebastian boldly returned to confront the emperor, urging him to stop persecuting Christians. This time, he was beaten to death and gave his life fully for Christ.
Why Catholics Honor Him
St. Sebastian is a powerful witness of bravery, perseverance, and faith in the face of cruelty. His unwavering trust in God — even after surviving one execution — reminds us to stand firm in our beliefs, no matter the cost.
He is often called upon in times of sickness, especially during plagues or pandemics, and is also loved by athletes for his spiritual strength and endurance.
A Short Prayer to St. Sebastian:
St. Sebastian, fearless defender of the faith,
pray for us in our trials and strengthen us in courage.
Help us to remain faithful when we face hardship,
and protect all who suffer in body and soul. Amen.
What is the St. Sebastian Novena?
The St. Sebastian Novena is a traditional 9-day Catholic prayer seeking the intercession of Saint Sebastian. It is often prayed for healing, protection from illness, courage, and strength during difficult times.
Who was Saint Sebastian?
Saint Sebastian was an early Christian martyr who remained faithful to Christ despite severe persecution. He is remembered for his courage, endurance, and unwavering trust in God.
When should I pray the St. Sebastian Novena?
You can pray the novena at any time of the year, especially before the feast day of Saint Sebastian on January 20, or whenever you are seeking healing, protection, or spiritual strength.
What intentions is the St. Sebastian Novena good for?
People commonly pray this novena for:
- Physical healing
- Protection from illness
- Strength during suffering
- Courage in persecution
- Growth in faith
How do you pray the St. Sebastian Novena?
Pray the novena once each day for nine consecutive days, presenting your intentions to God and asking Saint Sebastianfor his intercession.
Why is Saint Sebastian associated with protection from disease?
Saint Sebastian became associated with protection from disease, especially plague, because Christians have long sought his intercession during times of widespread illness and suffering.
Can I pray the St. Sebastian Novena for someone who is sick?
Yes. Many Catholics pray the St. Sebastian Novena for loved ones who are sick, asking God for healing, comfort, strength, and protection through the saint’s intercession.
| Novena Begins: | January 11 |
| Feast Day: | January 20 |
Patron Saint of Soldiers, Athletes, And those who desire a Saintly death
Day 1 – St. Sebastian Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Glorious St. Sebastian, martyr and saint, I call upon your strength and courage to help me through this difficult trial. Your faith was so deep that even a multitude of arrows could not destroy you.
The piercing wounds inflicted upon you for your faith only served to strengthen your belief. Please intercede for those weakened by disease. I ask for your intercession, that I too may overcome whatever threatens to weaken my faith in the mercy of Christ.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Sebastian, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 2 – St. Sebastian Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Glorious St. Sebastian, martyr and saint, I call upon your strength and courage to help me through this difficult trial. Your faith was so deep that even a multitude of arrows could not destroy you.
The piercing wounds inflicted upon you for your faith only served to strengthen your belief. Please intercede for those weakened by disease. I ask for your intercession, that I too may overcome whatever threatens to weaken my faith in the mercy of Christ.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Sebastian, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 3 – St. Sebastian Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Glorious St. Sebastian, martyr and saint, I call upon your strength and courage to help me through this difficult trial. Your faith was so deep that even a multitude of arrows could not destroy you.
The piercing wounds inflicted upon you for your faith only served to strengthen your belief. Please intercede for those weakened by disease. I ask for your intercession, that I too may overcome whatever threatens to weaken my faith in the mercy of Christ.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Sebastian, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 4 – St. Sebastian Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Glorious St. Sebastian, martyr and saint, I call upon your strength and courage to help me through this difficult trial. Your faith was so deep that even a multitude of arrows could not destroy you.
The piercing wounds inflicted upon you for your faith only served to strengthen your belief. Please intercede for those weakened by disease. I ask for your intercession, that I too may overcome whatever threatens to weaken my faith in the mercy of Christ.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Sebastian, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 5 – St. Sebastian Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Glorious St. Sebastian, martyr and saint, I call upon your strength and courage to help me through this difficult trial. Your faith was so deep that even a multitude of arrows could not destroy you.
The piercing wounds inflicted upon you for your faith only served to strengthen your belief. Please intercede for those weakened by disease. I ask for your intercession, that I too may overcome whatever threatens to weaken my faith in the mercy of Christ.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Sebastian, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 6 – St. Sebastian Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Glorious St. Sebastian, martyr and saint, I call upon your strength and courage to help me through this difficult trial. Your faith was so deep that even a multitude of arrows could not destroy you.
The piercing wounds inflicted upon you for your faith only served to strengthen your belief. Please intercede for those weakened by disease. I ask for your intercession, that I too may overcome whatever threatens to weaken my faith in the mercy of Christ.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Sebastian, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 7 – St. Sebastian Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Glorious St. Sebastian, martyr and saint, I call upon your strength and courage to help me through this difficult trial. Your faith was so deep that even a multitude of arrows could not destroy you.
The piercing wounds inflicted upon you for your faith only served to strengthen your belief. Please intercede for those weakened by disease. I ask for your intercession, that I too may overcome whatever threatens to weaken my faith in the mercy of Christ.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Sebastian, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 8 – St. Sebastian Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Glorious St. Sebastian, martyr and saint, I call upon your strength and courage to help me through this difficult trial. Your faith was so deep that even a multitude of arrows could not destroy you.
The piercing wounds inflicted upon you for your faith only served to strengthen your belief. Please intercede for those weakened by disease. I ask for your intercession, that I too may overcome whatever threatens to weaken my faith in the mercy of Christ.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Sebastian, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 9 – St. Sebastian Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Glorious St. Sebastian, martyr and saint, I call upon your strength and courage to help me through this difficult trial. Your faith was so deep that even a multitude of arrows could not destroy you.
The piercing wounds inflicted upon you for your faith only served to strengthen your belief. Please intercede for those weakened by disease. I ask for your intercession, that I too may overcome whatever threatens to weaken my faith in the mercy of Christ.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Sebastian, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Leave us your prayers…