Feast of Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, ora pro nobis

December 4th is the Feast of Santa Barbara of Nicomedia, Virgin and Martyr. One of the Fourteen Holy Helpers and Four Capital Virgins, she is invoked against lightning, fire and diseases. Patron saint of miners and artillerymen, she is also the principal patroness of Sommatino (CL), Paternò (CT), Gravà (CT), Tremestieri Etneo (CT), Castellana Sicula (PA), Villaggio Mosè (AG), Malò (ME), Francavilla di Sicilia (ME), Davoli (CZ), Amaroni (CZ), Salento (SA), and Corleto Monforte (SA), among others.

In celebration, I'm posting a prayer to St. Barbara. The accompanying photo was taken at the Museo del Duomo in Ravello. Evviva Santa Barbara!

Prayer to Saint Barbara

O God, Who didst adorn Thy holy virgin and martyr Barbara with extraordinary fortitude in the confession of the Faith, and didst console her in the most atrocious torments; grant us through her intercession perseverance in the fulfillment of Thy law and the grace of being fortified before our end with the holy sacraments, and of a happy death. Through Christ our Lord. Amen