St. Sebastian & Pope St. Fabian (20 January): Courage to Suffer Anything For God

Summary

The video script recounts the stories of Saint Fabian and Saint Sebastian, two early Church martyrs. Fabian, a wealthy Roman, was unexpectedly elected Pope when a dove landed on his shoulder, seen as a divine sign. Despite his initial lack of clerical status, he proved to be an excellent leader, restoring catacombs and establishing minor orders. Sebastian, a soldier who rose to head the praetorian Guard, covertly aided martyrs and openly preached Christianity, leading to widespread conversions. Despite surviving an execution by arrows, he continued his mission until he was finally martyred. Both stories exemplify unwavering faith and courage, emphasizing the virtue of piety and the willingness to sacrifice for one's beliefs.

Takeaways

• 🕊️ Saint Fabian was elected Pope after a dove landed on his shoulder, which was seen as a sign of the Holy Ghost.
• 👑 Saint Fabian wasn't a priest at the time of his election but was quickly ordained as priest, bishop, and pope.
• 🛠️ As Pope, Saint Fabian initiated the restoration of the catacombs and helped further establish minor orders in the Church.
• 🩸 Saint Fabian's martyrdom details are uncertain, but he is known for suffering for the faith.
• ⚔️ Saint Sebastian was a soldier who secretly assisted martyrs before rising to lead the Praetorian Guard, a prestigious military position.
• 🏛️ Saint Sebastian boldly ministered to imprisoned Christians, using his high rank to preach openly, converting many, including city officials and their households.
• 💥 Saint Sebastian was sentenced to death by arrows, but he survived the ordeal and was nursed back to health by a Christian woman named Irene.
• 👻 After surviving his first execution attempt, Saint Sebastian confronted the emperor again, causing shock and disbelief.
• 🔨 This time, Saint Sebastian was beaten to death with rods, and his body was thrown into a sewer but later rescued and buried.
• ⛪ A church, the Basilica of San Sebastiano, was built on the site of Saint Sebastian's burial, honoring his sacrifice and courage.

Q & A

Who was Saint Fabian and why is he significant?

Saint Fabian was a Pope in the early church, elected due to a dove landing on his shoulder, which was seen as a sign from the Holy Ghost. He was significant because he was not a priest before his election but became a priest, bishop, and Pope all at once. He was known as an excellent Pope who helped establish minor orders and initiated work on restoring the catacombs.

What was the approximate time period when Saint Fabian lived?

Saint Fabian lived around the year 230 to 240 AD.

What did Saint Fabian do to help the early Christian community?

Saint Fabian helped further establish the minor orders and initiated work on restoring the catacombs, which were in need of upkeep due to their frequent use.

What is meant by 'white martyrdom' in relation to Saint Fabian?

White martyrdom refers to a form of martyrdom where a person suffers for their faith but does not die as a result. It is suggested that Saint Fabian may have suffered in this way.

Who was Saint Sebastian and what was his role in the early church?

Saint Sebastian was a soldier who secretly assisted martyrs and eventually became the head of the praetorian Guard. He openly assisted martyrs, preached the faith, and was known for his courage and devotion to God.

How did Saint Sebastian's high rank help him in his mission?

Saint Sebastian's high rank as the head of the praetorian Guard allowed him to boldly enter prisons and minister to prisoners without much opposition, as people were in awe of his position and military attire.

What miracle is associated with Saint Sebastian?

Saint Sebastian survived being shot to death with arrows, an event that led to the conversion of many, including the magistrate's wife who was healed of her palsy when Sebastian touched her.

What happened to Saint Sebastian after he was shot with arrows?

Saint Sebastian was left for dead but was found alive by a holy woman named Irene, who nursed him back to health.

Why did Saint Sebastian return to the emperor after recovering from his injuries?

After recovering, Saint Sebastian returned to Emperor Maxentius to continue preaching and urging him to honor Christians, showing his unwavering devotion and courage.

How did Saint Sebastian ultimately meet his end?

Saint Sebastian was ultimately beaten to death with rods, and his body was thrown into the sewer to ensure his death.

What is the significance of the Basilica of San Sebastiano?

The Basilica of San Sebastiano was built over the site where Saint Sebastian was given a proper burial, commemorating his life and martyrdom.

What virtue is highlighted by the stories of Saint Fabian and Saint Sebastian?

The virtue of piety is highlighted by their stories, as both were willing to suffer and even die for their love of God and their faith.