The Catholic Church in India rejoices as the laity receive their own patron saint in St. Lazarus Devasahayam, the first Indian layman martyr to be canonised. His life now shines as a guiding light for all lay faithful who strive to live their faith with courage and conviction.
Born in 1712 as Neelakanda Pillai in Nattalam, Tamil Nadu, Devasahayam served as a court official in the Travancore Kingdom. Touched by the truth of the Gospel, he embraced baptism in 1745, taking the name Lazarus—“Devasahayam” in Tamil, meaning “God is my help.” His bold conversion drew hostility and persecution. Yet, despite humiliation, torture, and imprisonment, he remained steadfast in his commitment to Christ until his martyrdom in 1752.
The Church first recognised his heroic witness with beatification on 2 December 2012 in Nagercoil, and canonisation on 15 May 2022 at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, by Pope Francis.
Now, in a historic and hope-filled step, Pope Leo has declared St. Devasahayam as Guide and Patron of the Laity. This proclamation will be solemnly made on 15 October 2025 at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Varanasi.
For the Indian Church, this marks a milestone, as the laity are entrusted with a patron saint—one of their own—who bore witness to faith with extraordinary courage. St. Devasahayam’s life continues to inspire persecuted Christians everywhere and calls every layperson to live their vocation of faith, justice, and service in daily life.
