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MyPrayerTower
SaintsJanuary 20, 2025

St. Sebastian — Patron of Athletes

He was shot full of arrows and survived. Why this Roman soldier is the go-to saint for runners, archers, and athletes.

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MyPrayerTower Team
4 min read Spiritual Study

Every Catholic gym rat knows St. Sebastian. He was a captain in the Praetorian Guard under Diocletian. When the Emperor found out he was a Christian, he ordered him to be used for target practice.

The Twist

The arrows didn't kill him. A woman named Irene found him still breathing. She nursed him back to health. Most people would have laid low. Not Sebastian. He marched right back to the Emperor to denounce him for persecuting Christians. This time, Diocletian had him clubbed to death.

Why Athletes?

Because of his endurance. He didn't quit after the first round. He got back up.


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"O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee."
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