Barbara

Barbara, ST, suffered martyrdom at Nicomedia, in Bithynia, in 240 or 306. Her father, Dioscorus, a fanatical heathen, delivered her up to the governor, Martianus, who, struck with her intelligence and beauty, attempted first by arguments to make her relinquish Christianity, and when that failed, had recourse to the most exquisite tortures. At last, her father offered himself to behead her; scarce had he done so when he was struck with lightning. Hence St Barbara is to this day prayed to in storms, and is the patron saint of artillery, being represented in art with cannons, a tower, and a monstiance. Her festival is 4th December.