Divine Office

January 20

Saints Sebastian, Martyr and Fabian, Pope and Martyr

Optional Memorial

Saint Sebastian was born in Gaul, but his parents were of Milan, in Italy, and he was brought up in that city. He was a fervent servant of Christ, and though his natural inclinations gave him an aversion to a military life, yet to be better able, without suspicion, to assist the confessors and martyrs in their sufferings, he went to Rome and entered the army under the emperor Carinus about the year 283.

During his support of the confessors and martyrs he is credited with miracles including restoring speech and sight. He converted numerous prisoners to Christianity. He was killed (c. 288 AD) during the Roman emperor Diocletian’s persecution of Christians.

Saint Fabian (Latin: Fabianus; c. 200 – 20 January 250) was the Bishop of Rome from 10 January 236 to his death in 250, succeeding Anterus. He is famous for the miraculous nature of his election, in which a dove is said to have descended on his head to mark him as the Holy Spirit’s unexpected choice to become the next pope. He died a martyr at the beginning of the Decian persecution.

Note: Optional Memorials and Commemorations are optional celebrations and, at present, we do not include content specific to these special days. This “About Today” is provided so that you can celebrate these Saints as you worship Christ.