In a time when caste hierarchies reigned supreme and conversions came with heavy consequences, Devasahayam Pillai emerged as a bold witness to faith, equality, and Christian love. Born on April 23, 1712, in the then Kingdom of Travancore (present-day Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu), he belonged to the Nair caste, a high-status Hindu warrior and landowning community. But his journey would take a radical turn from a palace official to India’s first married lay Catholic martyr, canonized on May 15, 2022, by Pope Francis.
Devasahayam, originally named Nilakandan Pillai, held a prestigious position in the royal court of Travancore, entrusted with temple management and treasury duties. His worldview changed after encountering Eustachius De Lannoy, a Dutch naval commander who, following his defeat by Travancore, became a trusted military advisor to the king. In their deepening friendship, De Lannoy introduced Nilakandan to Christian teachings, especially the mystery of suffering as found in the Book of Job and the redemptive passion of Christ.
Struck by this spiritual vision of a God who suffers with and for His people Nilakandan chose to convert. On May 14, 1745, he was baptized by Jesuit priest Fr. Giovanni Buttari at Vadakkankulam and took the name Devasahayam, the Tamil equivalent of Lazarus, meaning “God has helped.” His wife and several others followed him into the faith.
Devasahayam’s new life was one of radical simplicity and courageous witness. He renounced caste privileges, lived in solidarity with the poor, and openly proclaimed Christ among all people especially the oppressed. This defiance of the caste system and his bold evangelization stirred resentment among the high-caste elites and Brahmins. He was accused of apostasy, blasphemy, and betraying his heritage.
On February 23, 1749, Devasahayam was arrested, tortured, and imprisoned. The king, succumbing to the pressure of court officials and religious orthodoxy, ordered his execution. But before his death, he was paraded in public humiliation, tied on a buffalo, mocked, and beaten, all while refusing to abandon his faith.
For nearly three years, Devasahayam suffered brutal torture. He was chained to a tree, exposed to the elements, and denied food and comfort. Yet, he never cursed his captors. Instead, he prayed, fasted, and even evangelized from his chains. His jailers witnessed his endurance and were moved some even converted. Many miracles were reported during his imprisonment, including a spring that gushed forth when he struck a rock with his elbow, which still flows today at Puliyoorkurichy.
Eventually, fearing his growing influence, the authorities secretly took him to Kattadimalai, near Aralvaimozhi, and on the night between January 14 and 15, 1752, Devasahayam was executed. His final words were, “Jesus, save me.”
His body, cast into the forest, was later recovered and buried in St. Francis Xavier Church, Kottar, now a cathedral. Miraculously, his tongue remained incorrupt. Locals began venerating him almost immediately, with January 14 observed as his feast day.
Devasahayam’s martyrdom stands out for many reasons. He was not a bishop, priest, or religious—but a married layman who stood firm in his faith despite immense suffering. He challenged oppressive caste norms and lived the Gospel in its purest form: as a servant of the poor, a voice for justice, and a fearless witness of Christ’s love.
He was beatified on December 2, 2012, by Pope Benedict XVI, and his canonization in 2022 made him a symbol of religious freedom and resistance to injustice, especially for marginalized communities in India.
Today, St. Devasahayam Pillai is venerated widely in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. He is the patron saint of laypeople in India, of martyrs, and of those fighting for religious liberty.
St. Devasahayam Pillai’s life resonates with the cry of the oppressed, the dignity of every human being, and the boldness of faith under fire. In a world still plagued by discrimination, violence, and persecution, his story is a reminder that sainthood is not the reserve of the elite but the destiny of the faithful who walk humbly, love fearlessly, and stand firm in truth.
His martyrdom remains not only a chapter of the past but a call to the present Church: to stand for justice, renounce division, and live radically for Christ even at great cost.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 5:10