Pope Leo has officially confirmed Saint Lazarus Devasahayam as the Patron of the Laity in India, granting the petition of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI).
The Vatican’s Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments issued the decree on July 16, 2025.
It recognized Devasahayam as Patron of the Laity in India and affirmed that this patronage carries full liturgical rights and privileges.
The decree was signed by Archbishop Victorius Franciscanus Viola, Secretary, and Archbishop Aurelius García Macías, Undersecretary.
Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, President of the CCBI, announced the decision in a circular to bishops, clergy, religious, catechists, and lay faithful across the country.
“It gives me great joy to inform you that the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, having examined the petition made by the CCBI, has graciously confirmed Saint Lazarus Devasahayam as the Patron of the Laity in India, through a Decree, Prot. N. 215/25, dated 16 July 2025,” he wrote.
The solemn proclamation will take place on October 15, 2025, at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Varanasi, during a Eucharistic celebration that will also mark the annual national meeting of the CCBI Commission for Laity.
Cardinal Ferrão encouraged dioceses and parishes nationwide to mark the occasion “with fitting celebrations, to commemorate with due reverence the Patronage of St. Lazarus Devasahayam over the Laity in India.”
He added that devotion to the new patron should strengthen faith and witness in daily life. “May our devotion to Saint Lazarus Devasahayam lead the People of God in India to an ever greater love of God, practice of the faith and service in the Church and in society,” the CCBI president said.
