St. Barbara is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, revered for her intercession and protection against various dangers. She lived in the fourth century during Emperor Maximian's reign. After her mother's death, her father, Dioscorus, locked her in a tower to shield her from the world. However, she learned about Christianity, renounced her father's pagan beliefs, and was baptized, becoming an ardent follower of Christ. Many were drawn to her beauty, but she had already dedicated herself to the Lord as a virgin. An open proclamation of her faith enraged her father, Dioscorus, who chased her to a mountain, where she hid in a cave. Despite this, she was eventually betrayed and brought before Martinianus, the prefect. After enduring torment, she was beheaded by her father. As he left, fire fell from heaven and consumed him completely. This led to St. Barbara being regarded as a protectress against lightning and thunder, and as the patron of miners and military gunners. Before St. Barbara was killed, she prayed, "Lord Jesus Christ, Whom all things obey, Whose will nothing resisteth: grant me this petition, that if anyone shall remember my name and honor the day of my passion, Thou remember not his sins on the day of judgment, and be merciful to those who love the memory of me, and do Thou set in peace the end of the life of those that love me." To this, a voice from heaven replies, "Come, my dearest, rest in the chambers of My Father; and concerning that which thou hast asked, it is given to thee."
St. Barbara, pray for us to receive the grace to seek the truth with fervor and remain loyal to our faith despite all obstacles.
No comments:
Post a Comment