Saint Lazarus Devasahayam was born on April 23, 1712, AD, in Palliyadi, Nattalam, present day Kanyakumari district. His father was Vasudevan Namboodiri and mother, Devaki Amma. His parents named him as Neelakanda Pillai.

Davasahayam was raised by his maternal uncle and was introduced to Hindu traditions and beliefs at an early age. Due to his family’s influence on the royal palace, he was put in service of the royal palace and was soon in charge of state affairs under the Dewan of Travancore.

He was converted to Christianity by one, Captain Eustachius De Lannoy, who was sent to capture one of Travancore’s ports and failed. He was imprisoned and released on the condition that he and his fellow captives would serve in Travancore’s army. It was during his service in the army that De Lannoy was acquainted with Devasahayam and after enlightening him on the faith, Devasahayam was converted to the faith in 1745 AD. He was baptized in the Roman Catholic Latin Rite Church at Vadakkhankulam, present Tamil Nadu and took the name Lazarus.

He convinced his wife Bargavi Ammal to convert to Christianity, and she took the name Granapoo Ammaaal. He also influenced the conversion of some of his immediate family members to Christianity.

After having converted to Christianity, it was forbidden for royal officials to partake in Christianity, according to catholic records of the time. Charges against him were falsified to the Dewan of Travancore and was divested of his portfolio while being accused of treason.

He was arrested and tortured for three years after which it was ordered that he be taken to Aralvaimohzy border for a meaningful punishment. This order was made after a previous one meant to execute him was altered.

He was marched to the border by soldiers while sitting backwards on a water buffalo, which at the time signified the Lord of death, while having on his skin, red paint and dark spots, symbolizing that he was a criminal. It is believed that God quenched his thirst by letting water come out of a rock while taking a stop on the way to the border.

Orders were to deport Devasahayam to another country through the border, but he was left near some hills near the border. It is said that he embarked on deep meditations and that villagers of neighbouring areas visited him in those hills. It was until later that soldiers were sent to look for him and tried to shoot but their guns were miraculously unable to fire. He took the guns, blessed them, gave it back to them and gave consent to shoot him and the soldiers fired at him. He died on January 14, 1752, AD in Kattadimalai.

On 21 February 2020, Pope Francis recognized a miracle attributed to the intercession of Lazarus Devasahayam, clearing his way to canonization. His canonization took place in St Peter's Square, along with 8 other saints, on 15 May 2022.

Other Saints of the Day
1. Saint Felix of Nola
2. Saint Dacius
3. Saint Euphrasius
4. Saint Macrina the Elder
5. Saint Sava