Devasahayam Pillai
1712-1752 18th century Feast day: January 14
Joyful constancy under trial, when faith is costly and the dignity of all is worth more than one's own rank.
Who was Devasahayam Pillai?
A high-caste Hindu official at the court of the kingdom of Travancore in South India, he converted to Christianity and took the name Devasahayam, "God is my help." His faith and his refusal of caste barriers earned him three years of chains, public humiliation, and torture, documented by the Jesuit who had baptized him. He was shot in the Aralvaimozhi hills in 1752, the first Indian layman to be canonized.
In their own words
I have done my duty. Do yours as you have been told.
Yesu, rakshikkane. Jesus, save me.