Coming Soon: January 20th

Meet Our Patron: The Radical Resilience of Saint Sebastian

As we begin a new year at The Good News Blog, we look toward January 20th—the feast day of a saint who has become a beacon of hope for the marginalized: Saint Sebastian.

You may recognize his image: a young man bound to a tree, his body pierced by arrows, yet his gaze remains steady and unbroken. For centuries, Saint Sebastian has been a favorite subject of history’s greatest artists, but for the LGBTQ+ community and those seeking a more inclusive faith, he is much more than a masterpiece—he is a patron of survival.

The Saint Who Stood Back Up

The story of Sebastian is one of "double martyrdom." A high-ranking officer in the Roman Praetorian Guard, he used his position to secretly aid persecuted Christians. When his faith was discovered, Emperor Diocletian ordered him to be executed by archers.

The arrows pierced him until he was "full of pricks as a hedgehog," yet Sebastian did not die. He was rescued and nursed back to health by Saint Irene. Rather than fleeing, he returned to the Emperor to speak truth to power. This second act of courage is why we have chosen him as our patron; he represents the resilience required to stay standing when the world expects you to fall.

A Reclaimed Icon
In the modern era, Saint Sebastian has been reclaimed as "history’s first gay icon." His depiction in art often captures a unique intersection of beauty and suffering, making him a silent companion to many queer people who have felt "pierced" by religious judgment or the weight of the AIDS pandemic.

Why Sebastian Guides Us

At The Good News Blog, we believe in a "Rainbow Christ" and a faith that embraces all. Sebastian is our patron because:

• He is a Protector: Historically invoked against plagues, he stands with us in times of collective suffering.
• He is Courageous: He shows us that faith isn't about hiding; it's about speaking out for the oppressed.
• He is Inclusive: His legacy bridges the gap between traditional hagiography and contemporary queer identity.

Save the Date: January 20th

Join us on the 20th for a deep dive into the artistic legacy of St. Sebastian and a special patronal celebration for our blog community.

Our exploration of Saint Sebastian is deeply informed by the vital work of Kittredge Cherry and the scholars at Qspirit.net. We encourage our readers to visit their site to learn more about LGBTQ+ religious history.