The Saint of the Day for January 20 is St. Sebastian
Son of a wealthy roman family. He was educated in milan. He became officer of the imperial roman army, and captain of the guard. favorite of Emperor Diocletian. During Diocletian's persecution of the Christians, Sebastian visited them in prison, bringing supplies and comfort. reported to have healed the wife of a brother soldier by making the sign of the cross over her. converted soldiers and a governor.
Charged as a Christian in 288 in Rome, Sebastian was tied to a tree, shot with arrows, and left for dead. he survived, recovered, and returned to preach to diocletian. the emperor then had him beaten to death.
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 desparation they prayed for the intercession of a saint associated with archers, and saint sebastian became associated with the plague.
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