Saint Barbara

Saint Barbara lived between 200-400 ad in what is now known as Turkey. Her father was a emperor and a devoted pagan worshiper, and tried to instill the pagan traditions and beliefs into her by building her a magnificent tower to live in so she could learn these lessons. In secret she was baptized and became a Christian. Then when her father was building her a bathhouse by her tower she requested it have three windows to honor the trinity and a cross engraved in the marble walls.  When Saint Barbara's father saw this he became enraged. He ordered for her to be tortured until she accepts the pagan ways of life and stops being a Christian. Through all of this, she is strong and sticks to her beliefs. Then, when she was tossed into a prison cell, she prayed to God for the strength to keep her faith. As she was praying she felt a heavenly joy fill her as her wounds instantly started healing. After more torturing, she was still loyal to her beliefs and her father then decided that he would execute her. Saint Barbara was then beheaded, along with another christian girl. Then as soon as they killed them, the Emperor and other Executioner were struck down by lightning and killed. Saint Barbara then became the patron saint of protection from sudden death or harm, such as death in battle and especially protection against fire and lightning. Also, she is known for being one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers and a Wonder Worker who protected people from harm.Today there are many ways in which people honor her sacrifice and protection. One example is the Ancient and Honorable Orders of Saint Barbara military award which is awarded to people in the Army and Marie Corps. In addition, on December 4th many people hold feasts in her honor. Overall, Saint Barbara is remembered as a saint because of her loyal devotion to her faith.
Sources

• "St. Barbara (Patron of Protection from Harm) : Apostle.com - Catholic Gifts." Apostle.com: Exquisite Religious Catholic Gifts & Jewelry. Web. 26 Jan. 2011. <http://apostle.com/st.-barbara-patron-of-protection-from-harm?chapter=1>.
• Hand., The Lord's. "St. Barbara - Saints & Angels." Catholic Online. Web. 26 Jan. 2011. <http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=166>.
• "Life of Saint Barbara." Welcome to Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church! Web. 26 Jan. 2011. <http://www.saintbarbara.org/about/frp_stbarb.cfm>.
• Suite101.com: Online Magazine and Writers' Network. Web. 26 Jan. 2011. <http://www.suite101.com/content/st-barbara-patron-saint-of-arty-a38895>.