Curriculum
Lesson Plan
Bible Character Study
Saint Devasahayam Pillai
Bible References
Those who suffer for their faith will receive great reward in heaven.
Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.
Matthew 5:10-12; Romans 8:35-39
Who is St. Devasahayam Pillai?
St. Devasahayam Pillai was born in 1712 in Nattalam, Tamil Nadu. His
original name was Neelakanda Pillai. He served as a high official in the
royal court of Travancore. During this time, he met a Dutch Christian
officer who taught him about Jesus Christ. Deeply moved by the message
of love and equality, Neelakanda accepted the Christian faith and was
baptized as ‘Devasahayam,’ which means ‘Lazarus’ or ‘God is my help.’
After his conversion, Devasahayam began to live a life of prayer and humility.
He treated everyone equally, regardless of caste or status. This angered
some people in the royal court who accused him falsely. He was arrested,
beaten, and tortured for his faith. Even in great pain, he continued to praise
God and encourage others to remain faithful to Jesus.
Finally, after many months of suffering, Devasahayam Pillai was shot to death
in 1752 for refusing to deny his faith. He is remembered as the first Indian
layman to be declared a saint for his witness to Jesus Christ. Pope Francis
canonized him as a saint on May 15, 2022.
What We Learn:
- Faith in Jesus gives us courage to face challenges.
- We must treat everyone with love and equality.
- Even in suffering, we can trust that God is with us.
Simple Prayer:
Lord Jesus,
Thank You for the brave example of St. Devasahayam Pillai.
Help me to stand firm in my faith and to treat all people with love.
Give me strength to live for You, even when life is hard.
Amen.
Activity:
- Write about one way you can show courage and faith like St. Devasahayam Pillai in your school or home.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” - Matthew 5:10