Catholic Saint
St. Devasahayam Pillai
“The first Indian layperson to be canonized, a Hindu convert who was martyred for his faith in 18th-century southern India.”
Feast Day: January 14
Biography
St. Devasahayam Pillai was born Neelakanta Pillai, a high-caste Hindu official in the kingdom of Travancore. After converting to Christianity under the influence of a Dutch naval commander, he faced severe persecution from the royal court. He endured years of imprisonment and torture before being shot and killed, becoming the first Indian layperson to be canonized.
Prayer to St. Devasahayam Pillai
I have found the truth and I will not abandon it.