Devasahayam Pillai becomes 1st Indian layman to be declared saint by Pope
Today in News17 May 2022| A-AA+
In News
Devasahayam Pillai, who embraced Christianity in the 18th century, was declared a saint by Pope Francis at the Vatican, becoming the first Indian layman to be canonised.
With the completion of the process, Devasahayam pillai, who took the name “Lazarus” after embracing Christianity in 1745, on may 15th became first Indian layman to be declared a saint by Pope Francis during an impressive canonisation ceremony at the Vatican.
Devasahayam
Devasahayam was born on April 23, 1712, as Neelakanta Pillai into a Hindu Nair family, at Nattalam in Kanyakumari district, which was part of the erstwhile Travancore kingdom.
He was an official in the court of Travancore’s Maharaja Marthanda Varma when he was instructed into the Catholic faith by a Dutch naval commander.
“Lazarus” or “Devasahayam” in Malayalam, translates to “God is my help”.