2012–2025

Patron of the Indian laity

It neither began nor ended in 2022. Benedict XVI recognised the martyrdom in June 2012, and that 2 December Cardinal Angelo Amato beatified Devasahayam in his name at Nagercoil. Pope Francis recognised the miracle in February 2020 and canonised him in May 2022. Then, by a decree of 16 July 2025, Rome named him Patron of the Laity in India, proclaimed on 15 October. The man baptised in this church is patron now of every lay Catholic in the land.

DocumentedThis moment rests on 3 sources.
Osservatore Romano
Cardinal Angelo Amato, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints

L'Osservatore RomanoWeekly Edition in English, 5 December 2012, p. 11

A published web source. We quote it and link to it.

What this source establishes

Benedict XVI's recognition of the martyrdom in 2012, and the beatification at Nagercoil that December. Written by the Vice-Postulator of the cause.