St. Sebastian was a favorite of Emperor Diocletian, and served as a captain of the infamous Praetorian Guard. He had secretly been bringing supplies to persecuted Christians, and his missionary efforts were know in shady underground circles. St . Sebastian was a man of great faith when such faith had to be hidden, and he was even known to have brought Christianity to fellow members of the Roman armed services.
Diocletian had St. Sebastian tied to a tree, but the arrows that pierced his strong body failed to kill him. These arrows are still an important symbol of his sainthood. He later died as a result of blunt trauma. Since he was able to endure such incredible punishment, he is often invoked as the Patron of Athletes. It is also known that Archers are also known to pray for him in times of need.
