Saint Barbara
Feast day: December 4
Virgin and martyr, invoked against sudden dangers, patroness of artillerymen and miners.
Barbara lived in the third century in Phoenicia or Nicomedia, daughter of a pagan noble who isolated her in a tower to preserve her beauty.
Secretly converted to Christianity, she had three windows built in the tower in honor of the Holy Trinity — a sign that revealed her faith to her father.
She was denounced, tortured, and condemned to death by her father, who beheaded her and was struck by lightning shortly after, according to tradition.
She has been venerated since antiquity as a martyr who chose death over denying Christ.
Her devotion spread worldwide, especially among miners, artillerymen, and those facing sudden dangers.
Her liturgical feast is December 4. She is patroness of armorers, miners, and artillery.
Dedicated prayer
To the virgin and martyr, we ask protection against sudden dangers and fidelity to Christ unto death.
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