Saint Fabian, pope and saint and Saint Sebastian. They are both catholic martyrs of the era of Emperor Decius (as he considered them as rivals). Saint Fabian was an innovator as he promoted the consolidation and development of the Church during his fourteen-years pontificate. He also divided Rome into seven diaconates for the purpose of extending aid to the poor. Saint Sebastian was widely venerated during the Middle Ages, particularly as a protector against the plague.