Devasahayam pillai to be first non-ordained indian to be conferred sainthood
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With the completion of the process, Pillai, who took the name "Lazarus" after embracing Christianity in 1745, will become the first lay person from India to become a saint, the
church said. "Lazarus" or "Devasahayam" in Malayalam, translates to "God is my help". "While preaching, he particularly insisted on the equality of all
people, despite caste differences. This aroused the hatred of the higher classes, and he was arrested in 1749. After enduring increasing hardships, he received the crown of martyrdom when he
was shot on 14 January 1752", a note prepared by the Vatican said. Sites linked with his life and death are in Kottar Diocese, in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu.