Detail of A Photograph of A Statue of Blessed Devasahayam Pillai Artist Unknown Date Unknown Saint Francis Xavier Cathedral Kottar Nagercoil India Photographed By Kumbalam On 5 July 2013

Saint Devasahayam Pillai

Also known as: Lazarus; Neelakandan; Neelam; Nilakandan; Nilam

Saint

Post-Congregation

Feast Day

January 14

Born

April 23, 1712

Died

January 1, 14

Canonized

15 May 2022 by Pope Francis

Beatified

2 December 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI

Venerated

28 June 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI (decree of martyrdom)

More Images

Coat of Arms

Biography

Saint Devasahayam Pillai, born into a high-caste Hindu family in the Kingdom of Travancore (present-day Kerala, India), lived a life of privilege and service. Fluent in Sanskrit, Tamil, and Malayalam, he was trained in martial arts and archery, married, and held a respected position in the royal treasury. His life took a profound turn in 1741 when he encountered a French prisoner of war who introduced him to Catholicism. After a period of study, he formally converted to the faith and was baptized on 14 May 174