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What the world was like
During Sebastian's lifetime, many people were exploring the world. Ponce de Leon discovered Florida, Balboa found the eastern edge of the Pacific Ocean, Magellan sailed around the world, de Coronado discovered the Grand Canyon, and de Soto discovered the Mississippi River.
Michaelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel in Rome and designed the dome of Saint Peter's Basilica. William Shakespeare wrote many sonnets and plays, including Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and MacBeth.
The invention of the spinning wheel helped change the way fabric was made. Copernicus theorized that the Earth and all the planets revolved around the sun.
Who he was
Sebastian was born in Spain in 1502. His parents were very poor. Sebastian worked as a shepherd until he was fifteen years old to help support his family. He continued to help his family by working at many different types of jobs; he worked as a servant to a wealthy woman and as a farm helper. Eventually, Sebastian moved to Mexico. He began to make plows and wagons to help the farmers. He trained bulls and oxen. He built roads to connect towns and to make trading easier for farmers and others. Sebastian became very rich, but he lived very simply and gave most of his money to the poor. He spent his time providing transportation to those who needed it, feeding the hungry, and teaching Mexicans various skills.
Sebastian married when he was sixty years old. His wife died after only one year of marriage. He then remarried and the same thing happened. Then he gave away all his money and possessions and became a Franciscan. He spent his time as a Franciscan begging for food for his brothers and for the poor that they cared for. He was very humble, sweet and kind. Like Saint Francis of Assisi, he had a special way with animals; they seemed to understand what he said when he talked to them.
What he means to us today
Sebastian spent his life thinking about others before himself. He gave away all his possessions to those in need. He worked very hard all of his life helping others. This example, along with his living a prayerful and simple life, drew others closer to God. Whether as a single person, a married man, or a Franciscan, Sebastian always worked for the good of others, helping to make their lives better.
One of the roads Sebastian built to connect towns in Mexico is still in use today. He is the patron saint of road builders and travelers.
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