Saint Barbara was an early Christian Greek martyr born in Heliopolis, Phoenicia. She was daughter to a rich pagan named Dioscorus. After the death of his wife, he dedicated his life to his only daughter who was known to be extremely beautiful, locking her high up in a tower to shield her from the world. Only her pagan teachers were allowed to see her. Saint Barbara spent her days pondering about the Creator of this world, and secretly became a Christian, choosing a life of consecrated virginity. As she grew older, her father began presenting men to her for marriage, however Saint Barbara refused and warned him about his persistence. She was allowed to leave her tower, in Dioscorus' hope she would change her attitude. Saint Barbara instead met up with other Christians and was baptised by a priest from Alexandria. Her father had a private bath house built for her, which became a place full of healing power and many miracles occurred there. After informing her father that she was now a Christian, Dioscorus was enraged and tried to strike her with his sword. Barbara ran off and Dioscorus chased her, but lost her when when a hill suddenly blocked his way. A shepherd betrayed Barbara and told Dioscorus where to find her. He found her, then locked her up to beat and starve her. She was eventually condemned to death by beheading by her own father. Dioscorus and Martianus were both killed after being struck by lightning. Saint Barbara is the patron saint of armourers, artillerymen, architects, mathematicians, miners and the Italian Navy.
Feast day: 4th December.