According to Christian legend, Barbara was born in the mid third century, somewhere in the Roman Empire. She was the daughter of a rich pagan
named Dioscorus. She was carefully guarded by her father, who kept her shut up in a tower in order to preserve her from the outside world. In
this solitude, Barbara gave herself to prayer and study of Jesus Christ and the Gospel; she was baptized in secret by a Christian priest. Before
going on a journey her father commanded that a bath-house be erected for her use near her dwelling, and during his absence Barbara had three
windows put in it, as a symbol of the Holy Trinity, instead of the two originally intended. When her father returned she acknowledged herself
to be a Christian. Enraged by her action and conversion, he dragged her before the prefect of the province, Martinianus, who had her cruelly
tortured and finally condemned her to death by beheading. The father himself carried out the death-sentence with his sword. Barbara was buried
by a Christian, Valentinus, and became the site of many miracles.
The life of St. Barbara is a vivid reminder that there can be much anger in our world and in our lives. Being in touch with God’s presence
in a very special way can do much toward relieving ourselves of our tendency to allow anger to control us. Also, Barbara, as a young
person, put love of God first, before family and personal comfort, with the grace of a deep-rooted faith. She is honored by all Christians,
East and West.
St. Barbara, Virgin and Martyr, Pray for us.
