St. Sebastian

St. Sebastian was martyred at Rome around the year 288. The son of a wealthy Roman family, he was educated in Milan. He became an officer of the Imperial Roman army, and captain of the guard. During Diocletian's persecution of the Christians, Sebastian visited them in prison, bringing supplies and comfort. In this way he converted soldiers and a governor. Charged as a Christian, Sebastian was tied to a tree, shot with arrows, and left for dead. He survived, recovered, and returned to preach to Diocletian. The emperor then had him beaten to death.

During the 14th century, the random nature of infection with the Black Death caused people to liken the plague to their villages being shot by an army of nature's archers. In desperation they prayed for the intercession of a saint associated with archers, and Saint Sebastian became associated with the plague.