Santa Barbara by Mark Sukhija

Santa Barbara is a Christian martyr whose feast day is the 4th of December. Barbara, of oriental origin, was martyred either during the reign of Maximin (235/238) or Maximian (286/305.)

The Church of Santa Barbara dei Librari in Rome is dedicated to her.

According to tradition, Barbara was young and especially attractive. She was persecuted by her father on account of her Christian faith. As part of the persecution by her father she was confined to a tower from which she managed to escape frequently.

Barbara was pulled up in front of a magistrate and then beheded by her father who was immeaditely struck by a bolt of lightening.

Barbara is the patron saint ofartillery men, bomb disposal experts, miners, firemen, The Italian Navy and in general all this who risk sudden death.

Further reading