On December 4th we celebrate the feast of Santa Barbara, also known as the protector from lightning and thunder. Thanks to the touching story of devotion and faith, on this day, he receives tributes from faithful from all over Brazil who took to the streets wearing red clothes
Barbara, which he would later become Santa Barbara, was born in the city of Nicomedia in the region of Bithynia, in Türkiye, in the 3rd century. She was the only daughter of Dioscorusa gentleman belonging to the nobility.
To prevent the beautiful young woman from becoming involved in local corruption, he decided to lock her up in a tower. The tutors his father trusted were responsible for his education. Over the years he learned more about creation and questioned religious conventions. Therefore, he wondered whether Gods really existed or just one God. Subsequently, to his father’s disappointment, he opposed a custom of the society of the time: marriage.
The death of Santa Barbara
When he was released from prison and began to frequent the streets of his city and interact with residents, he learned more deeply the message of Jesus Christ. He understood that the creator of everything was one God. Finally he converted to Christianity.
Realizing that his daughter was adamant in her Christian faith, Dióscoro reported his daughter to the city mayor. Bárbara suffered intense torture in a public square. The goal was to make her renounce the Christian faith. However, he remained unyielding and died after various forms of torture.
When Santa Bárbara’s head was decapitated, it rolled on the floor. At this time, lightning flashed across the sky, and people heard a huge thunder. And, to everyone’s amazement, Dioscorus, her father who beheaded her, was struck by lightning and died. Santa Bárbara thus became the “protector against lightning and storms”. Besides, it was Patron saint of artillerymenof miners and people who work with fire.
Several cities celebrated Santa Barbara Day, this Wednesday (4) dressed in red. In Salvador, Bahia, the actress Regina Casé celebrated the date on the streets.
Check out this photo on Instagram
The prayer of Saint Barbara
“St. Barbara, who are stronger than the towers of the fortresses and the violence of the hurricanes, do not let the lightning reach me, the thunder do not frighten me and the thunder of the cannons do not shake my courage and my audacity. Always remain at by my side so that I can face all the storms and battles of my life with my head held high and my face serene, so that, victorious in all battles, with the awareness of my duty fulfilled, May I make you thank you, my protector, and give thanks to God, creator of heaven, earth and nature: this God who has the power to dominate the fury of storms and soften the cruelty of wars. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
