Saint Devasahayam to Be Declared Patron Saint of the Laity in India

Aralvaimozhy, Tamil Nadu, January 12, 2026: Martyr Saint Devasahayam is set to be formally declared the Patron Saint of the Laity in India at a solemn ceremony on 14 January, to be held at the Devasahayam Mount Shrine in Aralvaimozhy, a historic site closely linked to the saint’s life and martyrdom.

The declaration will be made during a Eucharistic celebration at the shrine, marking a significant moment for the Catholic community across the country. Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, will formally proclaim the patronage, while Archbishop George Antonysammy of Madras–Mylapore will preside over the liturgy along with several senior church leaders.

The celebration will bring together archbishops, bishops, priests, religious and lay representatives from different parts of India. The homily will be delivered by Archbishop Francis Kalist of Pondicherry–Cuddalore, with Archbishop Antonysamy Savarimuthu of Madurai and Bishop Eugene Joseph of Varanasi among the concelebrants. Bishop Eugene Joseph also serves as chairman of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India Commission for Laity. Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General, CCBI will particpate the celebrations as the representative of the Bishops of the CCBI.

A key highlight of the event will be the launch of the ‘Devasahayam Spirituality Movement’, aimed at encouraging lay people to draw inspiration from the life, faith and sacrifice of Saint Devasahayam in their daily lives.

Church leaders have described the declaration as a moment of national significance, recognising Saint Devasahayam as a model of faith and courage for lay Christians in India. The saint is widely remembered for his unwavering commitment to his beliefs, summed up in his well-known words: “I have decided to follow Jesus, and no one can turn me back.”

Saint Devasahayam to Be Declared Patron Saint of the Laity in India

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