(1712-1752) Neelakandan Pillai was born to a high caste Hindu family in India and trained in martial arts and Sanskrit. He was married and held an office in the royal palace of the southern Indian Kingdom of Travancore. Pillai became well acquainted with a Dutch naval commander who introduced him to Christianity. He was baptised as Devasahayam, which translates to Lazarus, and his wife was baptised with him. Devasahayam was imprisoned, tortured, and exiled for leaving Hinduism. He was ultimately shot by soldiers and martyred.
Pope Francis said at this saint’s canonization on May 15, 2022, “The path of holiness is not barred; it is universal and it starts with Baptism. Let us strive to follow it, for each of us is called to holiness, to a form of holiness all our own…Pursue that dream with joy.” Wholeness and holiness is what you were made for. How is recovery a part of that?
“No one forced me to come; I came by my own free will. I know my heart: He is my God. I have decided to follow Him and will do so my whole life” (Saint Devasahayam Pillai).
Reflection by Brad Farmer