New Delhi: Devasahayam Pillai, became first Indian layman to be declared saint by Pope at the Vatican on Sunday. It was in the 18th Century that Pillai had converted to Christianity in the then kingdom of Travancore.
Devasahayam Pillai is also known as Lazarus, is the first Indian layman to get sainthood for what the Vatican calls “enduring increasing hardships”.
Who is Devasahayam Pillai?
Devasahayam Pillai, was born as Neelakandan Pillai in Hindu upper caste family in Kanyakumari. Pillai had worked at Travancore palace. It was in 1745 that he converted to Christianity and also changed his name as Devasahayam and Lazarus. Devasahayam faught against the caste discrimination and was persecuted and then killed.
After his death, the Vatican recognised his martyrdom after a rigorous process.
In 2013, Devasahayam was selected for the sainthood only after a woman in her seventh month of pregnancy testified to a “miracle” after praying to him.
According to the women, her foetus was declared “medically dead” as there was no movement. But she had experienced the movement of the baby only “after praying to the martyr”.
After which the Vatican accepted this and recognised Devasahayam for sainthood.
What about his caste ‘Pillai’?
According to the original invitation from the Vatican, it had mentioned Devasahayam’s former caste “Pillai”. Meanwhile, following the protests the Vatican removed it.
It was removed because, his caste name defeats the purpose of what Devasahayam stood for.
It is believed that Saint Devasahayam always fought against casteism and communalism and stood for equality and what is right.