A portrait of St. Devasahayam Pillai
St. Devasahayam Pillai
April 23, 1712 – January 14, 1752
Feast
January 14 · XVIII c.
Patron of
India · Converts · Lay catechists
Order
Layman / Martyr
First lay Catholic from India to be canonized. Born into a high-caste Hindu family, he was baptized Lazarus in 1745 after conversations with a Dutch Catholic naval captain held captive at the court of the King of Travancore. His public refusal to honor caste distinctions, embracing Christians of all backgrounds as brothers, scandalized the Hindu nobility and led to his arrest, torture, and eventual shooting in the Kanyakumari hills. He is the first Indian layman to receive the honors of the altar.
Life & Times
Also known as: Lazarus Devasahayam; Neelakanda Pillai · Born: April 23, 1712 · Died: January 14, 1752 · From: Nattalam, Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, India.
Patronage
St. Devasahayam Pillai is invoked as the patron of india, converts, lay catechists. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“All who are bathed in the precious blood of the Lamb are equal before God.”— St. Devasahayam Pillai (traditionally attributed)
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Devasahayam Pillai, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.