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Pope Francis canonized Lazarus Devasahayam on May 15, 2022, making him the first lay martyr in India to be canonized a saint.
Lazarus was a convert from Hinduism in the 18th century, influenced by Captain Eustachius De Lannoy, a Dutch naval commander. Lazarus became interested in Christianity through the commander's faith and was later baptized at the Catholic church of the Vadakkankulam village by the Jesuit priest, Fr. R. Bouttari Italus.
He took the baptismal name of "Lazarus" or "Devasahayam," meaning "God is my help."
Lazarus became outspoken against the caste system in India, fighting for the equality of all people.
Vatican News explains how his vocal opposition drew the anger of many people.
While Christianity has been present in India for many centuries, possibly brought by St. Thomas the Apostle, Lazarus Devasahayam is the only native lay person to be ever canonized in India.
