Saint Barbara

Who they were

No early authentic source mentions Barbara, but her veneration was common from the seventh century, based on legendary Acts. They say she was the daughter of a rich pagan, Dioscorus, who kept her shut in a tower; she refused the marriage he arranged, became a Christian and had three windows put in her bath-house in honour of the Trinity. Her father denounced her and, after she was tortured, beheaded her himself.

The miracles

There was never a formal cause: Barbara has been honoured as a virgin martyr since the seventh century. Her story is legendary. She is invoked against sudden death and is patron of those in dangerous trades.

Why that counted as sanctity

The legend of Barbara honours a young woman who chose Christ and the Trinity over her father's will and her own life.