he Feast of Saint Barbara All are commemorated December 4 to Catholic ChurchIn memory of the young martyr, the patron saint of artillerymen and miners. Also known as Barbara of NicomediaShe is considered a figure of protection, especially against storms and lightning, a quality closely linked to her martyrdom.
Barbara of Nicomedia He was born around the year 273 AD in Nicomedia, near the Sea of Marmara, which is currently a Turkish province. It was his father DioscorusA pagan king and satrap of Persia, he was distinguished by his rough personality and his desire to impose his beliefs on others. According to ancient tradition, Barbara was taken into captivity from an early age by order of her father. One of the goals of this isolation was to prevent the teenager from receiving the influences of the Christian message. In this way, the king also appointed a group of teachers of philosophy and poetry to enlighten Barbara and reject the image of Jesus Christ.
Once in captivity, his father ordered some workers to build three windows in his cell. but, Barbara He asked the builders to add one more, referring to Three divine personswhich constitutes Holy Trinity. Her father wanted to marry her, but the young woman flatly refused and declared herself a Christian. In this way, the king ordered her to be tortured, and she was given a large number of lashes. To the surprise of many, he survived these actions and continued his stance of faith.
when Dioscorus He learned of this and became very angry and asked the judge to sentence him. And so the harsh punishment was chosen: to be quote during decapitation. The place chosen for this act was the top of a mountain, and his father not only attended this event but was also the executioner. After using the sword to cut off his daughter’s head, he was struck by lightning, resulting in his death death.
His story became known throughout Europe and in 1568 Pope Saint Pius V He announced his sect and established it Santa Barbara As one of the sacred auxiliary figures. His martyrdom is considered a symbol in ChristianityThis is why it is considered a protection against the dangers of storms, electrical storms, lightning strikes, and natural fires. That’s why it was named after a while Patron saint of artillerymen and miners.
According to the Catholic Information Agency – ACI-Prensa, she is represented by various signs referring to her martyrdom. In particular, he is covered in a red cloak, next to the cup of Christ’s blood, and holds an olive branch, a crown and a sword.
O soldier of heaven, blessed are you, Saint Barbara,
I ask you to answer my calls and pleas for love until…
(person’s name)
Join me physically and spiritually, and protect her
No one stands in the way of our union and happiness.
Oh Saint Barbara, oil (repeat the name) hair and quench his thirst with your endless love and good wishes,
Strong justice for the impossible,
Fight in defense of these eternal lovers (repeat their name and yours).
Amen.