On May 15, 2022, Catholics in India will rejoice in the historic canonization of Lazarus Devasahayam, the country's first native lay person recognized as a saint.
The local bishops explained in a statement, "He is ... the first lay person and the first married person from India to be conferred sainthood. This canonization, therefore, has a special significance for the Church in India."
Devasahayam lived during the 18th century and converted to Catholicism from Hinduism, a move that made him a local target. He was imprisoned and later shot dead at the age of 39.
Local celebrations
According to Vatican News, the local church in India will celebrate his canonization in a variety of ways.
The canonization will mark an important chapter in the history of the Catholic Church in India, which is still a predominately Hindu country.
