St Barbara was also known as Barbe or Great Martyr Barbara.
She was a very beautiful virgin who died as a martyr for professing Christianity and refusing marriage.
She was born in Mid-3rd Century AD in Heliopolis, Phoenicia and died in the Late 3rd Century AD.
We celebrate her feast day on December 4 every year in the Catholic Church.
| St Barbara Biography | |
|---|---|
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| Date of Birth | Mid-3rd Century AD |
| Place of Birth | Heliopolis, Phoenicia |
| Date of Death | Late 3rd Century AD |
| Place of Death | Heliopolis |
| Feast Day | December 4 |
| Canonization | Pre-congregation |
| Patron Saint of |
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St Barbara’s Life History
St. Barbara, a legendary figure, was an exceptionally beautiful young woman who found herself imprisoned in a high tower by her pagan father, Dioscorus, due to her disobedience.
During her captivity, she received instructions from philosophers, orators, and poets, which instilled in her the ability to think critically.
As a result, she came to the conclusion that polytheism was devoid of meaning. With the guidance of Origen and Valentinian, she made the decision to embrace Christianity.
Her father reported her newfound faith to the local authorities, who ordered him to execute her. Although she managed to escape, Dioscorus captured her again, dragging her home by her hair, subjecting her to torture, and ultimately killing her.
Interestingly, he was immediately struck by lightning or, according to some accounts, fire from heaven.
St. Barbara’s association with imprisonment led to her connection with towers, their construction, maintenance, and military applications.
The lightning that avenged her murder contributed to her veneration as a protector against fire and lightning, leading to her patronage of firefighters and related roles.
Her association with the military and death from the sky led to her being regarded as the patron of all matters related to artillery.
Her image was even placed in powder magazines and arsenals for many years. She was honored as one of the 14 Auxiliary Saints (Holy Helpers).
It is worth noting that while there may have been beautiful converts named Barbara, the authenticity of this particular saint is highly questionable, and her legend is likely a product of pious fiction mistaken for historical fact. As a result, she was removed from the General Roman Calendar in 1969.
St. Barbara is often depicted with various symbols, including a cannon or catapult, symbolizing the attack reminiscent of the lightning that struck her father.
Other representations include a chalice, a host, a princess in a tower holding either the palm of martyrdom or a chalice symbolizing a happy death, a woman holding a feather, a woman holding a tower, a palm of martyrdom, a tower, and a woman trampling a Saracen.
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