Canonisation of Blessed Lazarus, also called Devasahayam 15 May

Bishop Thomas Neylon has expressed his joy at the news of the Canonisation of Blessed Lazarus, also called Devasahayam, an 18th-century Indian martyr. He was a married Hindu man who converted to Catholicism.

Taking the name ‘Lazarus’ or ‘Devasahayam’ in the local language, meaning ‘God is my help’, he was brought up on false charges of treason and espionage and was divested of his post in the royal administration. He was imprisoned and subjected to harsh persecution. A Catholic for only seven years, he was shot dead in the Aralvaimozhy forest on January 14, 1752.

Bishop Neylon, Lead Bishop for Asia for the Bishops’ Conference, has recorded a short audio reflection on the new saint and sees his relevance for Catholics today.

“Even though Blessed Lazarus lived over 200 years ago, his life has much to teach us today about how to share, how to receive, and how to live our faith in Jesus Christ. During his life, Blessed Lazarus experienced riches and a position of trust in the society in which he lived. He also experienced suffering, humiliation and poverty, because of his faith in Jesus Christ.”

/sites/salisbury/files/1ad317a5-486c-45ab-a727-32a452ba4cab-bp-neylon-lazarus-mini-profile-ed.mp3

Categories: 

More News

Saint Benedict

July 5, 2025

Saint Benedict's Story

It is unfortunate that no contemporary biography was written of a man who has exercised the greatest influence on monasticism...Read more

Mass Time Changes

July 5, 2025
Mass Time Changes from 13 JULY onwards

Please read carefully

The weekend Mass times in Salisbury will be...Read more

Pilgrimage of Hope

July 1, 2025

The Pilgrimage of Hope is a national walking pilgrimage with four main Ways converging at the Cathedral of St Barnabas, Nottingham, on Saturday 13th...Read more

  •  
  • 1 of 297