Who is San Lazaro? Unpacking the History of the Saint of the Sick

December 8, 2025 - By Aliza

The Man, the Myth, the Many Names

When one hears the name San Lazaro, what image immediately comes to mind? Is it the man miraculously raised from the dead, or perhaps a figure associated with the most feared diseases of the ancient world?

The truth is that the figure of San Lazaro, or Saint Lazarus, is a complex tapestry woven from multiple biblical narratives, centuries of Christian tradition, and the rich syncretism of Afro-Caribbean religions.

This convergence of stories has created a powerful, enduring symbol revered across continents as the patron of the sick, the poor, and the marginalized.

The Biblical Roots: Lazarus of Bethany

The Christian tradition primarily recognizes two distinct figures named Lazarus within the New Testament, a distinction that is often blurred in popular devotion.

The first, and most famous, is Lazarus of Bethany, the brother of Mary and Martha. His story is a cornerstone of the Gospel of John, serving as a profound demonstration of Christ’s power over death.

The Miracle of Resurrection

Lazarus had been dead for four days when Jesus arrived at his tomb. In one of the most dramatic scenes in the Bible, Jesus commanded, “Lazarus, come forth!” and the man emerged, still wrapped in his burial cloths.

This miracle cemented Lazarus’s place in history, making him an ultimate symbol of resurrection, hope, and the promise of eternal life.

Distinguishing the Two Lazaruses

The second figure is the poor beggar named Lazarus from the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, recounted in the Gospel of Luke. This Lazarus was covered in sores and longed to eat the scraps from the rich man’s table.

After death, the beggar was carried by angels to Abraham’s side, while the rich man suffered in Hades. It is this second Lazarus, the one associated with poverty and disease, who became the primary inspiration for the later veneration of San Lazaro as the patron of lepers and the sick.

The Syncretic Icon: San Lázaro and Babalú Ayé

The figure of San Lázaro took on a particularly potent and unique identity in the New World, especially within the spiritual traditions of Cuba and other parts of the Caribbean.

Here, the Catholic saint was syncretized with an African deity, creating one of the most powerful and widely revered figures in the Afro-Cuban religion of Santería, or Lucumí.

The African Connection

In this syncretic tradition, San Lázaro is merged with the Orisha Babalú Ayé, the spirit of the earth, and the deity who governs infectious diseases, healing, and the sick.

Babalú Ayé is often depicted as an old man, frail and covered in sores, walking with crutches and accompanied by dogs that lick his wounds—a direct visual echo of the biblical beggar Lazarus.

Patron of the Sick and the Afflicted

This powerful blending of traditions has made San Lázaro/Babalú Ayé the ultimate intercessor for those suffering from illness, particularly skin diseases, AIDS, and other afflictions.

Millions of devotees visit his shrines, most notably the Sanctuary of San Lázaro in El Rincón, Cuba, to pray for health, healing, and relief from suffering.

A Global Legacy of Care: The San Lazaro Hospital

The legacy of the saint’s association with the sick is not confined to religious devotion; it is also embedded in public health infrastructure across the globe.

One prominent example is the San Lazaro Hospital in Manila, Philippines. Its history dates back to the 17th century, when it was established as a hospital for lepers.

Today, the hospital has evolved into a specialized national medical center for infectious diseases and tropical medicine, continuing the centuries-old mission of caring for the most vulnerable.

Modern Veneration and Cultural Impact

The image of San Lazaro transcends religious boundaries, appearing in art, music, and literature as a universal symbol of human suffering and the hope for redemption.

His feast day, typically celebrated on December 17th, draws massive crowds of pilgrims who often make difficult, penitential journeys to his shrines to show their devotion and ask for his healing grace.

The enduring power of San Lazaro lies in his dual nature: he represents both the lowest point of human misery—sickness and death—and the highest promise of divine intervention and miraculous recovery.

Conclusion: An Enduring Symbol of Hope

From the dusty roads of Bethany to the bustling streets of Havana and Manila, the story of San Lazaro continues to resonate.

He stands as a testament to the human need for a patron who understands profound suffering and offers a tangible link to healing and renewal.

Whether viewed through a Christian, syncretic, or purely historical lens, San Lazaro remains an enduring, powerful figure in the global cultural landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is San Lazaro?

San Lazaro, or Saint Lazarus, is a figure whose identity is primarily drawn from two biblical figures: Lazarus of Bethany, whom Jesus resurrected, and the poor beggar Lazarus from one of Jesus’s parables.

Is San Lazaro the same as Babalú Ayé?

In the Afro-Cuban religion of Santería, the Catholic saint San Lázaro is syncretized with the Orisha Babalú Ayé, the deity of infectious diseases and healing. While distinct in origin, they are venerated as a single, powerful entity in this tradition.

Why is San Lazaro associated with disease and healing?

His association with disease and healing stems from the biblical figure of the poor beggar Lazarus, who was covered in sores. This image led to his adoption as the patron saint of lepers and, by extension, all those suffering from serious illnesses.

Where is the San Lazaro Hospital located?

The San Lazaro Hospital is located in Manila, Philippines. It is a historic institution that now serves as a specialized national medical center for infectious diseases and tropical medicine.

Aliza

I’m Aliza, the founder of Urdu Novel Bank. I built this site because I love Urdu stories and want everyone to enjoy them. As an Urdu literature lover, I choose the best novels to share with you. Here you can find free Urdu novels in romance, mystery, thriller and more. Read online or download PDF chapters without signing up. I update the library often so you’ll always have new tales to explore. My goal is to bring Urdu literature to readers around the world.