At the beginning of advent on her Day of Commemoration many people called Barbara meet in Vierzehnheiligen Basilica singing cheerfully: "St. Barbara, you noble bride" On this day miners, workers in tunnels, firemen, artillery-men and many other people have their great feast. Her origin is in Nicomedia. Because of her beauty she was locked in a tower by her father.
As she confessed being a Christian her father took her to a dreadful governor. She was beheaded with a sword by him because of her steadfastness. Before she died she nourished herself with a host. That is why she is shown with a sword, a host, and a chalice. In the Eastern Churches St. Barbara counts among the Great Martyrs and among the "virgines capitales". There are many churches with her patronage and a rich tradition which shows her importance.
| Name: | in Greek Barbara, the alien, the foreigner |
| Day of Commemoration: | Dec. 4th |
| Native Place: | Nicomedia (Turkey) |
| Year of Death: | 306 (beheaded) |
| Distinguishing Feature: | tower, chalice, host, sword |
| Particular Patronage: | miners, gunners, architects, roofers, brick-layers, soldiers Hope in darkness, comforter of prisoners, protector from thunderstorms and fire, protector from a sudden death |
Prayer:St. Barbara, as long as we live, we feel captured in our worries and needs, in our suffrances and sins. Help us to understand the message of Jesus about His suffrance, His death and His resurrection as a message which makes us free from our mortal captivity. May we in our last hour be guarded by His eternal compassion.
